Library Services: More Than You Knew There Was to Know

It is always fun to surprise someone by telling them that their public library offers something they never expected.  

Sometimes you’ll be talking to someone who borrows books all the time but had no idea they could also borrow a bread machine, snowshoes, or a floppy disk reader. Other times, you’ll be getting a haircut, you’ll find out your stylist loves audiobooks, and you won’t be able to keep from telling him about the broad selection available for free through the library. So fun!  

This is a common experience, right? Other library staff will back me up. I hope.  

Anyhow, a few months ago when I was asked to help with a series of presentations about Library Services in collaboration with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), I jumped at the chance. Spend an hour sharing all the great things the public can access at the library? Yes, please! I got to work on my installment: Library Services (Inside the Library). 

That title might seem puzzling. What do I mean by Library Services Inside the Library? Isn’t that where you usually find library services? Well, yes, we like to be easy to find. But we might also surprise you by popping up at local festivals, schools, farmers’ markets, senior centers, and other places where people gather. Our outreach teams bring early childhood programs, hands-on activities, and community connection to all sorts of locations around the county.  

Our services are also very accessible online, from the rich content of the JCLS website to the searchable library catalog, where you can see everything we have available to borrow and make a request to send it to a specific branch. Even the bread machine.  

Put simply, there is a lot of territory to cover when talking about library services, so the series was broken down into four, hour-long online classes, each of which was recorded for later viewing.  

The first installment gave a tour of the resources available through the JCLS website, along with a lesson on how to find what you’re looking for and make the most of the library’s online catalog.  The second installment was the one I hosted, Library Services Inside the Library. The third was all about Community Engagement – how the library connects with our community beyond the library’s walls. The fourth and final installment featured the JCLS Library Director, Kari May, and gave an overview of our library’s history, organizational structure, funding, and how community members can get involved with library governance and library support organizations, like the Jackson County Library Foundation and Friends of the Library groups in their communities.  

You can view all four recordings on the JCLS Beyond YouTube Channel, but while I have you, I’d like to point out some of the library services I highlighted in my presentation about what you will find at your library branches: 

Library Collections 

You probably know about the books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, books on CD, large print books, and books in non-English languages. Do you know about our collections of board games, video games, jigsaw puzzles, and the Library of Things? And that’s just the physical collection. Come on by the library, and we’ll show you how to use our collection of electronic materials to read ebooks, listen to audiobooks, stream movies, and more.  

Circulation of Materials 

Anyone who lives in Jackson County can get a JCLS Library card. Your library card gives you access to the electronic materials and all the physical materials at all fifteen library branches. Just let us know where you want to pick it up, and our smart, hardworking courier and circulation staff will get it to you. 

Libraries as Public Spaces 

Where else can you go and not be expected to spend money? The public library is open to all. No matter your income, race, beliefs, or background, you’re invited to use the library. Building a stronger, more connected community is fundamental to what we do. 

Reference and Research Support 

Got a burning question? Want to learn more about local history? Or about the family of bats you’ve spotted in your neighborhood? Are you trying to find contact information for an old friend? Or maybe do some research for that novel you’re finally sitting down to write? Come ask at the Reference Desk. We’ll give you some research tips, point out some resources, and help you along the way. 

Reader’s Advisory 

This is the official librarian term for book recommendations. Wondering what to read next? You can ask us in person, visit our Book Advice page on the website, or fill out a JCLS Discovery request form and receive a personalized list of recommendations from our staff. Please ask. Library staff love reader’s advisory questions. 

Computers and Technology 

Every JCLS branch has public computers with internet access and all the standard programs. You can also print, scan, fax, and photocopy at our branches, and our staff are happy to walk you through the process. If you need help learning more about how to use technology in your life, you can make an appointment with our Technology Education Specialists for one-on-one instruction. 

Community Resources 

Our Community Resource Specialists are knowledgeable community connectors who provide referrals to local resources that offer things like affordable housing, community meals, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and much more. They also distribute supplies to meet basic needs like hygiene, clothing, first aid, and transportation. 

Public Programs 

Libraries offer free public programs for all ages, creating a space where everyone can come together to learn with and from each other. Parents learn songs and rhymes that help their toddlers get ready to read. Teens build friendships while learning hands-on crafting skills. Adults engage with current events and get to know their neighbors, and everyone comes away feeling connected to their community. This is just a tiny taste of program offerings. I encourage you to browse the online Event Calendar and see what else is happening at the library. 

I could have gone on and on with my list of cool things libraries offer, but I only had an hour to talk about it during my presentation. I suppose that’s why we needed four classes. We want to thank OLLI for the chance to talk about what we do, and all of you for your part in making the library a community hub. I encourage you to consider exploring a service that you didn’t know about before. If you have questions, please ask them! Remember that we are here for you.