by Annette DeFuso
In the Technical Services Department at the library our focus is mainly on the materials that have been selected for our library’s collections –books, videos, audiobooks, and the Library of Things. Our department catalogs and processes all of the new items to make them shelf-ready for circulation throughout our six branches. I continue to be amazed at how much we offer for free, and I really try to shine a spotlight whenever I can on what we have to share with our community. Even though librarians usually provide answers, instead I‘d like to pose a few questions as well:
Did you know…you can plan your next family night with items from our Library of Things? We have a large collection of jigsaw puzzles and classic board games. You can also borrow a record player, a karaoke machine, a projector, and a screen. If you’re musically inclined, try out our ukulele, steel drum, or kalimba.
Did you know…you can watch new releases as well as older titles on DVD and Blu-ray? Consider how much you can save by borrowing videos from your library compared to the costs of streaming services and rental fees. We offer feature films, television series, and documentaries.
Did you know…we have so many new books for all ages, even the speediest of readers won’t be able to read them all? From mystery and suspense to inspirational and romance, there’s something for everyone. We also have a very large selection of nonfiction, including books about history and biographies of historical figures. There are board books and picture books for our youngest readers and graphic novels for teens.
Did you know…each book, DVD, and audiobook receives a bright yellow sticker identifying it as new? We display new items for six months, after which they are reshelved into the main collection area to make room for more new items. Our online catalog also has browsable categories, expanded search options, and personalized recommendations. The search results pages group together all of our formats, allowing you to more easily see what we have available and select the version you prefer. You can search through our collections from home and place items on hold for yourself, too.
There’s no question…our libraries provide amazing resources to our community for free with your library card.
Annette DeFuso is Technical Services Director for the Adams County Library System.