The Community Comes Together at the Public Library

from Neapolitan Family March 2023

How to Connect With a Teen Who Is Never Home

If you haven’t spent much time in public libraries over the past couple of decades, you may not be aware of the revolution quietly taking place inside those walls. No longer just a building with books and a quiet place to read, the public library has become a community hub where people gather for education and entertainment.

“We aren’t the ‘shushing’ librarians anymore,” explained Chloe Snider, marketing librarian with Collier County Public Library. “It’s more than just books – it’s a community center now,” Snider said.

This list of services that draw people to Collier libraries is long and impressive. Where else in Naples can you pick up a movie, find tax forms, listen to live music, learn about your ancestors, borrow an internet hot spot, read a magazine or newspaper, use a computer, and watch your kids get help with their homework or enjoy a petting zoo – all for free?

Programming

Collier libraries offer a wealth of programming year-round for kids, including storytimes. Snider said the best places to learn about new events are the library’s YouTube site and social media. You also can find a complete listing of library events each month on the library website, and Neapolitan Family always includes many library events in our print (starting on page 14 in this issue) and online calendars.

Preparations are already underway for the libraries’ most popular event – the summer reading program. This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” Snider estimated last year’s participation at approximately 1,000. Both kids and adults can register, and then read books (including ebooks and audiobooks) for a chance to win prizes. The library branches also offer special summer reading program events from June to August.

Teen outreach is a focus of Collier libraries. Snider said that each branch has a room dedicated to teens, and there are programs specifically designed for teens, usually involving snacks for hungry middle and high schoolers. She noted that the Naples Regional and Golden Gate branches in particular are popular spots after school for older kids. “We love to be that resource for teens,” she said.

The Golden Gate and Immokalee branches introduced homework centers last fall that provide academic assistance from current and former Collier County Public Schools teachers. The program is free for all local K-12 students (not only CCPS students), and registration is not required.

Everything else

Some of the busiest programs at Collier libraries are targeted at adults. Snider noted that the Book-a-Librarian feature is quickly becoming a favorite among library patrons. You can book an hour with a librarian, and receive help with research, utilizing the library’s e-resources, or instruction in basic computer skills. E-resources available include: ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, television shows, and more.

You also can research your family history at the Naples Regional branch, in its Genealogy Room, which is staffed by volunteers from the Genealogical Society of Collier County.

The libraries also offer: live concerts, book clubs, educational talks, internet hot spots (borrow for one week); free tickets to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (with limitations), puzzles, play-aways for kids (tablets loaded with educational games), free access to Mango (a language learning app), beach sticker pick-up (only at Naples Regional and Marco Island branches), and even tax forms. While you can pick up tax forms at the library, the librarians do not provide tax advice. They will, however, point you toward resources where you can find the help you need.

Services for the homebound

During the pandemic, the library canceled on-site programming, but continued to serve the community with curbside service for books and movies. Now that operations are back to normal, the librarians want to welcome everyone back to the library.

“We are trying to get the word out that it’s ok to come back in,” said Snider.

For anyone who is unable to physically return to the library, CCPL continues to offer some virtual programming, including a weekly storytime and a virtual book club.

The Mail-A-Book service also is available to individuals who are homebound. Books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs are mailed to their homes and back to the library, and the postage is paid by Friends of the Library. The form to qualify is found on the library website, or you can call any branch and ask for more information.

How to get it all

To get your library card, visit any branch with proof of Collier residency, such as your driver’s license, voter registration, or a bill showing your address. The card is good for three years. Collier library card holders may access the Lee County library system, by asking for a sticker at any Collier branch, and then presenting their Collier library card bearing that sticker at any Lee County branch. Visit www.collierlibrary.org.

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