Use the Library to Help Ease Tough Times

There's a great deal of talk these days about the economy. A lot of scary words are being tossed around û economic downturn, recession, bank failure, foreclosure, lay-offs, jobless rates. Everywhere people are spending more and getting less. A trip to the gas station or to the grocery store can mean empty pockets and purses. People are finding it necessary to cut out most of the extras and even some of the basics in their everyday living. While the Greensburg Public Library can't change the price at the pump or stave off the job loss, the library can help the community during tough times. As a matter of fact, if you seek advice on how to save money, using your public library is likely to be at the top of the list.

Most services offered at the library are free or at little cost to you. Library cards are available for free to all Decatur County residents and to those who live elsewhere, but work in the county. Here are 10 important ways to make the most of your library. (with thanks to Christine Ayar, Director of the Adam Cardinal Maida Alumni Library in Orchard lake, Michigan for the inspiration.)

1. Money is tight. Don't buy a CD, DVD, or book. Come to the library and borrow it. You will know if it is an item that you want to own and will have tested that out for free. The library collection includes most of the latest bestsellers and many popular movies. If it is something we don't have, you can request it and we will work to get it for you.
2. FREE INTERNET! 2 words that mean so much. Many people are finding it difficult to continue to pay for an internet provider. The library has over 10 computers free for public use. These computers can be used for research, school work, email, word processing, etc. The library's website www.greensburglibrary.org gives you access to Newsbank, INSPIRE, Chilton Online, Tumblebooks, Learning express, etc. You can access these from the library or from your home computer. You can read full text magazine and newspaper articles, learn to fix your car, entertain your children, take practice tests for academic and licensing tests and much, much more. The computer lab has also recently installed 2 Express computers that you can use to quickly check email or print from. These Express computers have a 10 minute time limit, making them quickly available for the next patron.
3. Boost your business. We have a Business Collection with tips on managerial skills, building a business, solving problems, and winning customers.
4. Get the skills you need. The library offers computer and genealogy classes, Adult Basic Education classes on site through the Southeastern Career Center, and other educational and craft programs.
5. Find Entertainment. Your library offers Storytime for ages 6 months to 6 years, other events and activities for child and family usually at little or no cost. A fun time doesn't have to be expensive! Upcoming programs include a Grandparents Day party, Bats and Boo…ks! Halloween at the Library, and a Reindeer Roundup at Christmas complete with a visit with Santa.
6. Hold a meeting. The library offers free meeting room space to non profit and other organizations. Whether you need to hold a business meeting or organize a fundraiser, stop by the library and see if our meeting rooms are right for you.
7. Read current newspapers and magazines. The library has a collection of local newspapers, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal and a wide variety of popular magazines ranging from Business Week to Handyman, Modern Bride to Rolling Stone, People to Popular Science and many more.
8. Find a new job, a better job or a different job. Use computers, books, newspapers and more to find employment and build resumes and cover letters.
9. Copy, Fax, Print. Whether you need a copy of a document, to fax a document or to print from the computers, the library offers those services for a small fee.
10. Regain a sense of community. Feeling a bit disconnected through tough times? Libraries are places where communities come together. Stop in and take a moment to take in the action…you'll find it abuzz with information, people and possibilities!

The Greensburg Public Library can't make the tough times go away but, it can make them a little easier to get through. Stop in and discover how much your library has to offer today and everyday.