The Library Corner: Library offers many free services
By Mary Campbell
Hope Mills Branch Library
As a librarian in the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center for the last 18 years, I have a favorite customer question and I have heard it asked countless times at every branch in our library system: "How much is does it cost to join the library?" or sometimes it is phrased: "How much do you charge for a library card?"
I love to answer: "It is free if you live in Cumberland County!"
As the customer looks at me with surprise, I continue to explain that her library card is free and she will be only charged if items are returned late or damaged. If I still have her attention, I will add that our taxes do pay for the library. So, technically it is not free, but it feels free, and free is fun and fabulous!
Telling the public that your service is free is fun.
Now, I have a New Year's resolution to save some money and to stop trying to single-handedly stimulate the nation's economy with my personal debit card. So, if you are like me and saving money is your goal, then let me share with you my personal top five list of free and fabulous things about the public library:
No. 5: The library's Web site, www.cumberland.lib.nc.us. With so much stuff on the Web, you never know who or what to believe. Start at our Web site for the best and most trustworthy information available. If you have a computer at home, you won't even need to get out of your pajamas. It still blows my mind to think about the level and amount of research you can do without even coming into the library.
No. 4: Free computers. It is nice to know that everyone in our community can come to the library to use a computer at no charge.
No. 3: Story time. It warms my heart to see children using the library. It feels good to know that our library staff is instilling a love for books and learning.
No. 2: Free audio books: I love audio books. After spending a day tied to e-mail or researching online, I find it very relaxing to listen to others read and simply shut my eyes.
No. 1: Free books, DVDs, music and magazines. Check out a smorgasbord of titles on every topic under the sun. You will never have to worry about wasting your money on a book that does not appeal to you. If you don't like something, you simply put it down and pick up another title for free.
For more information about your Hope Mills Library Branch programs and services, call 425-8455 or visit www.cumberland.lib.nc.us.
Upcoming programs
Anime @ Hope Mills, Feb. 2, 6 p.m. Attention teen anime fans, this is your one stop for all things anime in Hope Mills.
After The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: More Funny Stories, Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m. Third- to fifth-graders, who enjoy humorous stories, are invited to learn about more books sure to make you laugh. Registration is recommended by calling 425-8455.
Mary Campbell is the interim manager at Hope Mills Branch Library.