Public library visits reach new high

  • Youngsters enjoy STEAM activities at the library, Lego builders, book to movie nights and there is Wiggleworms for the little ones. CONTRIBUTED
    Youngsters enjoy STEAM activities at the library, Lego builders, book to movie nights and there is Wiggleworms for the little ones. CONTRIBUTED
  • Teens have monthly activities like Craft and Crunch at the library in addition to game days, a Legos club and art day. CONTRIBUTED
    Teens have monthly activities like Craft and Crunch at the library in addition to game days, a Legos club and art day. CONTRIBUTED
  • An afternoon learning folk dancing was one of the events during this year’s summer reading program that also had Space Week, Animal Adventure Week and Ocean Adventure Week. CONTRIBUTED
    An afternoon learning folk dancing was one of the events during this year’s summer reading program that also had Space Week, Animal Adventure Week and Ocean Adventure Week. CONTRIBUTED

    The annual report for the Middle Georgia Regional Library system revealed a fact that does not surprise anyone who is patron of the Jones County Public Library.

    Among the many statistics in the report, the patron visits to the Jones County Library increased by 9,000 over the previous year.

    That information was announced to Jones County Library Branch Manager Julie King in a Aug. 26 email from MGRL Director Jennifer Lautzenheiser.

    That increase is almost 30 percent over the previous year and received a “well done” from the director.

    King said anyone who has not visited the library recently may be surprised. Long gone are the days of quiet bookshelves and gentle shushing.The library has become a hub of the community and is more of a community center than just a library.

    There are many programs for patrons of all agesand interests.The manager said there are Lego builders, STEAM kits, book to movie club and Wiggleworms for children.

    Teens have a Lego club, Craft and Crunch and a game and art day and there is Brunch Buddies for adults.

    Brunch Buddies not only includes a delicious meal but also a historical lecture by a local historian David Flanagen.King said adults also have art classes and a monthly book club.

    Harkening back to the days of sewing and quilting circles, there is Stitch ‘n’ Such, where local sewers meet to work on their craft and enjoy a rich community.

    King said homeschoolers are not left out. In September they will have a Homeschool Game Day to bring together the homeschool community, and she is hoping it will be an ongoing program.

    The manager said she is thrilled with the increase in visitation.

    “This year our patron count increased by 9,000.This was a 30 percent increase since last year. I believe this is due to the welcoming atmosphere here.The staff knows everyone by name, and they give so much individual attention to each patron,” she said.

    King said another big reason for the library’s success is the community support.

    “Many businesses and civic organizations support our library, and our programs just keep growing and growing. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

    King said, in addition to all the planned programs, school kids walk over from the high school to study.

    “The computer lab is open for information and printing, and library staff is always ready to help you find that perfect book or DVD.You will not find a more welcoming library in Middle Georgia.Stop by and see what all the fuss is about.It will be worth your time,” she said.

    The dates and times of all the events are available on the Jones County Library Facebook page, or a calendar of events can be picked up at the library.

    The Jones County Public Library is located at 146 Railroad Street in Gray. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 478-986-6626.