The library has been in the news a lot lately, and not always in the most positive light. Between reports of budget cuts, possible closure and library use by the homeless, it's easy to overlook the things about the library that make it a cool community resource and a great way to pinch pennies.
Tired of $5 DVD rentals? That's a thing of the past when you check out DVDs at the library. Want a new CD to listen to on the way to work, or maybe an audio book to pass the time? The library offers those, too, free for Concord and Penacook residents with a library card.
We can't overlook the selection of books, of course. From classics to bestsellers and everything in between, you'll find it at the library. And you don't have to pay $24.99 for the privilege of reading a book, either. Nor do you have to devote space on your bookshelf to something you'll only read once.
Has the recession turned you into Mr. Fix-it? The library can help with its home improvement reference center, which contains step-by-step instructions for projects and repairs. And don't worry – if the sink is spewing water now, you can log on to your library account from home and access the information there. You'll be mopping up the mess in no time.
It's not that Borders doesn't have a place in your life anymore – as far as we know, the library isn't planning on selling espresso any time soon – but these days, when you're considered lucky to have a job, you have to make smart financial decisions.
The monthly average foot traffic in the library is up by nearly 1,000 users, from 18,827 per month last year to 19,678 this year. More people are getting clued in to the cost-saving benefit that a local library offers, not to mention the benefit to the community. About 70 kids showed up to a Lego club held at the library last week – that's a whole lot of new Lego-loving friends. The same can be said for adult programs, like book discussion groups and even musical performances.
Given that this week is National Library Week, it seems like the perfect time to highlight the services and features offered to the public.
This year's theme is “Worlds Connect at Your Library,” and there are several events going on that expand on that idea. You can find details on those events below.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy our library-services guide. Given that we couldn't possibly cover everything, we encourage you to drop in to the library so you can do some exploring of your own.
National Library Week events:
On Tuesday, visit the library for a public coffee from 9-11 a.m., hosted by the Concord Public Library Foundation. On Wednesday, watch a performance by the Shoestring Puppets at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s auditorium or at 6:30 p.m. at the Penacook branch. There will also be a performance by Jeff Warner titled “Banjos, Bones and Ballads” at 7 p.m. at the main library. On Thursday, a party will be thrown for Lily, the labrador retriever from the “Paws for Pages” program, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. On Saturday, Rosalita’s Puppets presents “Goldilocks and the Three Dragons” at 11 a.m. Tickets are required (free while supplies last). All week in the children’s room, participate in a scavenger hunt (plus, check ours out on page 15) and on the main floor, join the staff in weaving a one-of-a-kind community tapestry.
