Your library card offers more than you might think
If your last visit to the Rachel Kohl Community Library was a quickie to pick up a book club pick and dash out the door, it’s time for a longer look. Between new hangout spots at the library, a growing “library of things,” and a summer’s worth of pop-up appearances around the community, your free library card is one of the best deals in town.
Libraries have changed; they’re far more than silent halls of dusty books. Like many of its counterparts, the Rachel Kohl Community Library continues to spread its wings and offers more programs and reasons to visit.
Have you stopped in lately? If not, what’s the hold up?! Here are a few things going on at the library that might be new to you, as well as a handful of ways you can support the library that offers so much to our community.
What’s New at the Library
Teens, this one’s for you.
The library launched a teen volunteering program this summer, giving local teens a way to rack up service hours while getting to know their community library from the inside. If you know a teen looking for something meaningful to do this fall, point them toward the library.
Dedicated spaces for teens, quiet reading, small groups, and more.
Did you know that tweens and teens now have their own designated seating area? It’s tucked behind some shelves (but not far from the circulation desk, so there’s some adult supervision). It’s right next to all the Young Adult books, and even has a vending machine. Can’t beat snacks, right?
Need total quiet? Head to the back of the library, where three new reading nooks await visitors looking for technology-free reading and studying spaces. Upgrades in this area were funded by a memorial donation from the family of a former patron passionate about the library.
Need to get on a call, tutor a student, or work with a small group? The small meeting room is set up for computer use and collaborative work.
Don’t forget that the community room is available for rent to host larger groups or events. You can even have your birthday party in the community. It has a small kitchenette available with the rental so you have access to a sink, fridge, and some counter space.
Not sure where to land? Just ask a staff member — they’ll point you in the right direction.
A “library of things” that keeps growing.
Beyond books, borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot, an eReader, a cake pan, and a growing list of other practical, occasionally needed items from the “library of things.” It’s all free with your library card. Think of it as a neighborhood tool shed for the stuff you don’t want to buy for one-time use.
Team Up to Green Up Litter Kits
Through a partnership with the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, the library has a new set of Team Up to Clean Up Community Kits. Patrons can stop by the library to borrow a “litter kit,” checking one out the same way they would a book. The kits come with a number of tools, like trash grabbers, vests, trash bags, and Clorox wipes to make a community clean up easy peasy lemon squeasy. 🍋
New programs for adults.
A new adult librarian joined the team this year and brought with her lots of new ideas. She has started offering several new programs, and has more coming in the fall. A few highlights on the calendar:
- Pastel Art Class — Thursday, August 6 at 10:30 AM (but recurring, so check the calendar)
- Flower Arranging Workshop — Friday, August 21 at 10:30 AM
- Heartfulness Meditation Class — Saturday, August 22 at 10 AM
- Mah-Jong Club — Fridays at 1 PM
- and so much more!
Many of these run on a recurring schedule, so if one catches your eye, there’s likely another session coming up.
Catch the library out and about.
You can also connect with the library this summer at a handful of community events. Find them at:
- Concord Farmers Market — every Sunday through August
- Bethel Corn Boil — August 23
- Concord Community Day — September 12
- Maris Grove — second Tuesday of every month
Stop by any of these to learn about upcoming programs, browse what the library has to offer, and say hello.
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How You Can Support the Library
Public libraries are doing more for their communities than ever, while facing rising operating costs to do it. The Rachel Kohl Community Library works hard to be a responsible steward of every dollar it receives — watching expenses closely, seeking competitive pricing, leaning on volunteers, and pursuing grants and fundraising throughout the year.
A little over half of the library’s funding comes from municipal contributions. But community support allows the library to go above and beyond being four walls, windows, and a big stack of books.
The library would love your help to continue expanding the ways it can contribute to building our community and sharing its services with neighbors. Here are some ways you can support the library:
- Donate books. The semi-annual book sale is always looking for donations. Start setting aside your gently used books now. You can drop them off anytime. The next Book Sale happens September 25-27.
- Furnish the reading nooks. The library needs like-new lamps and rugs to make the quiet reading spaces even cozier. Do you have something you could donate?
- Give to the library of things. Cake pans, tools, games, and other practical, borrowable items help the collection grow.
- Make a stock donation. A great option if you’re looking for a tax-smart way to give. It’s an especially useful tax planning strategy if you have shares in a stock that has increased in value a lot since you purchased it. Read more details here and donate here under More Ways to Give!
- Set up a regular donation. Even a small recurring gift adds up and helps the library plan ahead. Donate here. Thank you!
- Attend the annual dinner. Save the date for Tuesday, September 15 this year. More details to come. Tickets are available now, and you can also stop by the library to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win one of many themed baskets.
Did you know your dollars are worth more than $1? Municipal and community support doesn’t just fund day-to-day operations. It signals local commitment that strengthens the library’s ability to win grants, attract private donations, and secure sponsorships. In other words, every dollar given locally helps the library pull in even more funding from outside the community.
Whether you drop off a bag of books, borrow a cake pan, or just wave hello at the farmers market this Sunday, there are so many easy ways to be part of what’s happening at Rachel Kohl Community Library right now. Stop in and see for yourself.
