Library director Gwen Kalavasa speaks to local Kiwanis Club June 16. Courtesy photo

BY BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club

On June 16, the Kiwanis Club was treated to a presentation about all the services our great county libraries offer over and above checking out books. Library Director Gwen Kalavasa outlined the services, programs and events offered to the community.

Summer is the busiest season for the libraries, with an influx of kids and tourists. The library system is focusing outward to partner with local organizations and county departments to expand their services and programs.

One example of this focus is the Seed Library. Working with PEEC and the Master Gardeners, participants can obtain seed packets for vegetables of flowers with the expectation that they will plant and grow them, and then harvest their seeds to return back the following year. Another program is the Library of Things, partnering with the county’s Department of Utilities to provide loans of occasional use equipment such as induction stovetops and paper shredders.

Upcoming events include a puzzle exchange and competition at the White Rock branch, a presentation by a national book award-winning author, and a continuation of the monthly table top game days. Future projects are a catalog upgrade, EV charging stations in the main parking lot, and the development of outdoor covered classrooms at both branches.

The county’s libraries serve as important community gathering places and are facing many of the same challenges that are being experienced nationally. Issues such as pressure to ban books, budget cuts, the influence of AI, and data literacy are being addressed in future planning.