Are you a regular library visitor? If you haven’t been by in a while, you might not know about all the amazing things it has to offer. Perhaps you’re envisioning a room filled with dusty old books? Polk County Public Library does have a lot of books for you to check out (and we also share materials with Rutherford County Public Library, which gives you access to even more) but there’s so much more!

Do you prefer to read on your Kindle or iPad? We have thousands of downloadable e-books and audiobooks that you can check out with your library card through NC Digital Library. Home Grown e-books featuring North Carolina authors and topics are also available. Visit polklibrary.org/download for more info.

Are you a TV or movie fan? We have all the newest releases on DVD! Whether it’s a popular television series such as Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead or the latest blockbuster, indie, or foreign film, we probably have it! Blu-rays are also available for some titles.

Don’t have internet access at home? Both the Saluda and Columbus libraries have computer labs that anyone can use, either with your library card or a guest pass. We also have free Wi-Fi, so bring your own laptop or device and connect! Special early literacy computers are available for kids as well.

Need a space to hold a meeting? We have community meeting rooms that can be reserved at no charge (for activities that are free and open to the public). Our meeting room in Columbus features a ceiling-mounted projector, sound system, and pull-down screen and can hold 100 people. Check out polklibrary.org/rooms to learn more.

Looking for something fun to do? We have giant games on our reading deck in Columbus, including Jenga, chess, and Connect 4. There’s also a trail behind the library that is currently serving as a storywalk this summer. Take a hike and read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff along the way. We also have programs happening almost every day of the week for all ages! Check out our website or Facebook page or come by the library and pick up a calendar.

Can’t make it to the library? We offer outreach services to homebound residents of Polk County who are physically unable to visit the library due to illness or disability. Our outreach coordinator can visit you once a month and bring books, books on CD, music CDs, and DVDs selected according to your suggestions and areas of interest. You can also request specific items. For more information, call Rita at 828-894-8721 ext. 225.

Have some free time on your hands? Consider volunteering at the library! We are always in need of volunteers to help with shelving, special projects, and at special events. Fill out a volunteer application at the library or online at polklibrary.org/support/volunteer.

Best of all, everything I’ve mentioned is free! (Just make sure to return items on time and in the same condition of course.) And if we don’t have something you want, fill out a request slip and comment card, and we’ll see what we can do. Polk County Public Library belongs to you!

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian at Polk County Public Library. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit www.polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.