Things You May Not Know About The Iredell County Libraries

Photo by Kim McKinney

Some of us grew up in the days when libraries were silent places where you would get shushed for raising your voice above a whisper. In fact, talking at all was discouraged. Libraries were about books and research and not much else - and they were great.

Today's libraries are no longer silent and they are no longer just about books. They are vibrant education and access centers that meet all kinds of community needs. 

If you haven't been to the library lately, or have had tunnel vision along the way, here are a few services provided of which you may not be aware.

Photo by Kim McKinney

• Libraries are a great place to get access to computers and the internet. All three Iredell County branches - (Statesville, Harmony, and Troutman) have computers that you can use for an hour at a time, just by showing your library card. 
• Chromebook laptops and mobile hotspots (which allow you to access WIFI from home), can be checked out by library cardholders over age 18 for 14 days. (Note the hotspots are kept in Statesville, so you will need to call the branch a day or two ahead to reserve and give them transport time.)
• You can print for thirty cents a page from the library computers or even send a document for printing from your own personal computer and pick it up at the library.
• Want to take an online class? You have access to thousands through the Libby app, with a library card. Craftsy, The Great Courses Library Collection, and Universal Class - thousands of classes available to help you grow and develop. 
• You can watch independent films, documentaries or musical performances for free, also through the Libby app.
• Want some suggestions on your next read or want to talk about what you're reading with others? The library offers book clubs, newsletters, and a monthly video where librarians Michelle Coleman and Lisa McBroom share what they're reading (check this out on the library's Facebook page.)

Cynthia Shank ties a bow on a craft at the Pinterest class at the Troutman Library led by Tamra HicksPhoto by Kim McKinney

• The library offers storytime for kids, programs for teens, genealogy help, craft (Pinterest) classes, and so much more programming. Keep your eye on their calendar to learn more about these. Often classes and materials are free.
• Is there a book they don't have that you want to read not available in Iredell County?  You may be able to borrow from another library and pick it up at your favorite Iredell location. Also, the libraries also take recommendations for new titles from the public.
• You can check out Kindle books or magazines or even audiobooks for free online. (If you don't have a Kindle, you can download the app for free in your App Store and read on your phone, tablet, or laptop.)

Photo by Kim McKinney

• You can reserve meeting rooms for free at the library.
• The Friends of the Library sponsor books sales where you can pick up used books for cheap. Funds raised purchase new materials for the library.
• Iredell County residents can access the Mooresville City Library free of charge. Go by with an ID showing you live in Iredell County and you can get a card. If you're just looking to borrow additional digital resources you can get a digital card online.

This just touches the surface of the services the Iredell Library provides. There's so much more, including the many books on shelves all around. Check Iredell County Public Library website and Facebook page to stay in the loop, or take a stroll around the library and check it all out.

What did I leave out? Share your favorite things about the library in the comments.

And when you're at the library, thank the librarians. They're constantly thinking of new things they can do to make your life fuller and easier. They have added much to their plates in recent years, and have made our libraries dynamic centers that serve our community in many ways.