By Marla Ballard
Reporter
DEKALB COUNTY - Albert Einstein said, "The only thing that you absolutely
have to know, is the location of the library." In this age of technology
access to reading material is literally at one's fingertips, however there
is more at the library than just books. Technology can also be found at the
place where books are collected and lent.
DVDs at the library offer a range of entertainment. Computers are available
at many libraries offering patrons an opportunity to learn computer skills,
work on an employment resume, or do research.
Story time is also a common feature of many of the local libraries and this
avenue of learning stimulates a child's mind and expand their understanding
of the world even before they are able to read for themselves. DeKalb County
Library (DCPL) and Rainsville Public Library (RPL) are among the local
libraries that offer this avenue of learning for free. Story time generally
ends with a craft project.
The RPL hosts story time on-property while the DCPL program has outgrown its
space and has moved their story time across the street to the fellowship
hall at the Church of Christ.
Cynthia Hancock, Director of the DCPL, said "The DCPL is working and
striving every day to provide the best information and the latest books and
technology with the help of a highly qualified and friendly staff. Stop by
and give us a chance to serve you! The DCPL has served the community since
1985.
Librarian, Tracy Weldon, who oversees the children's library wing at DCPL
said, "Our librarian Gina King has been trained on a new program called
RSR=Reimagining School Readiness. It is understood that a child's first five
years of life, interactions and environment shape a child's brain. The RSR
program helps to identify positive early learning experiences and the DCPL
now has 10 STEM kits available for check out. The kits have two purposes;
One to help caregivers illustrate and demonstrate these early critical
skills and two to help caregivers practice concepts with their family."
Weldon went on to explain that the library also has an interlibrary loan
program where they send books to and order books from a worldwide program,
to meet patrons needs. DCPL also has an extensive genealogy collection
available and free ancestry programs on their public computers.
Additionally, they offer three Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout.
The RPL began in 1968, the current building was opened in 1992 with the
children's addition built in 2009. The library has space available, on a
donation basis, where non-profit organizations and club members gather for
meetings.
"This week a Grief Support group will begin for parents who have lost a
child in death. The group will meet on the second and fourth Thursday of
each month," said Sarah Cruce, Director of the RPL. "The group is being
hosted by a family who experienced this painful crisis and the group offers
parents an opportunity to find support and express themselves."
The community may attend the yearly sales that take place when the library
"weeds" through their stock. Movies, books, puzzles, and more all go on sale
and the proceeds benefit the library. Each September the RPL has a
month-long indoor yard sale. Patrons donate their own gently-used items to
the library for the library to sell and collect the funds.
All of the libraries in DeKalb County network in offering summer reading
programs. Several smaller towns have libraries including; Collinsville,
Crossville, Ider, Henagar, and Geraldine. The summer reading program rewards
readers with a prize each time they reach a goal.
More information on programs, business hours, and locations can be found on
Facebook.
