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Not Just For Books: A World Of Services Awaits At The Library
August 16, 2009
Jillian Thorton of Bluff Springs was happy on a recent afternoon, reading a good book by a window in the Century Branch Library. Meanwhile, sister Jenna Thornton and her friend Leah Fischer were on the computer, and brother Chance Thornton was busy searching the shelves for a good book. It was a break from a hot summer afternoon.
The Thorntons are not alone; the Century Branch Library has seen a surge in traffic the past few months, with over 2,000 individuals using the library in July.
The library offers many free items and services beyond just books that people find useful, especially in the down economy, Librarian Patricia Rigel said.
“Like our movies,” she said. “We have hundreds of movies, including the latest releases.” The library’s movie collection is divided into two sections — one for children and one for adults.
The Century Branch Library has computers in the children’s area, and computers with Internet access in another room.
“More and more people are using the computers,” Rigel said. “With the bad economy, more people are using the computers to look for a job.” She said 400 people used the library computers during July.
“Libraries do better when the economy is down,” she said. “People find that they library offers so many things that are free.”
From reading a favorite book without paying $30 at the bookstore, to the movies for checkout, to the free internet, a chance to read magazines for free, books on tape/CD and more — people are discovering that the library offers a lot of free entertainment and education, Rigel said. The library also offers free wi-fi for persons wishing to use the Internet on their own laptops.
“I like the books on CD,” Rigel said. “When you are driving you can just pop one of those in the car CD player and enjoy your favorite book.”
The library also a meeting room available for use by non-profit groups and organizations.
The Century Branch Library will soon be offering several free beginning level computer courses, including mouse skills on September 9, typing on September 16, keyboarding on September 23, and an introduction to Windows on September 30.
During the month of July, 2,039 people used the Century Branch Library. The library issued 51 new library cards in July.
The Century Branch Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. On Thursday, the library is open from noon until 8 p.m. The Century Branch Library is located at 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information on the library or any of its services, call (850) 256-6218.
Pictured top: Friends Jenna Thornton and Leah Fischer use the computers at the Century Branch Library. Pictured inset: Jillian Thorton reads a book while Chance Thornton searches for the perfect book at the library. Pictured bottom: The Century Branch Library’s DVD’s available for checkout span the top shelf of a bookcase. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
2 Responses to “Not Just For Books: A World Of Services Awaits At The Library”
Does anyone know if you can get a library card for Century library even if you live in Flomaton?>]
yes i hope that we dont lose it, its a great thing to have Century. has lost everthing Hospital, Heath clinic ,THREE SCHOOLS, BANK, I truly hope that we stand up and keep what little we have left ,thank God for the Library.and they are the best staff to help you with your needs. very helpful.