It’s Not All About Books Anymore

Posted

Don Tjossem, KP News

There’s more to the library than meets the eye: Librarians Rosina Vertz (left) and Carol Dike are ready to assist. Photo: Don Tjossem, KP News

Remember the “good old days” when the library was a place where you checked out books and returned them in 14 days or so? Many of us have this recollection of libraries, but there are many more features now; some if you have a current library card, and some if you do not.

Computer access is free at the Key Center branch of the Pierce County Library; specific times may be reserved if you have a library card. The library website is available in four languages: English, Korean, Spanish and Russian. The Key Center Library also provides workshops sponsored by The Friends of the Library to learn about 3D printing. There are many more sessions available on many topics.

Free museum passes are available to library cardholders on a first-come, first served basis. Partnering museums include the Harbor History Museum, Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum and Washington State History Museum.

Online help with homework is available most days from 1 to 10 p.m. in Spanish or English to library cardholders. This service is free and may be accessed from a home computer as well as the library.

Reciprocal agreements with other libraries, including the Tacoma Public Library, Seattle Public Library, Kitsap Regional Library, the King County Library System and others allow people who live in one service area to check out books and other materials from another library for free. This service may be particularly valuable to individuals who are commuting outside of the Key Peninsula area for some reason.

If you know of a community service organization that needs a meeting place, there may be a room available at the Key Center branch of the library. Reservations may be made online after registering the organization.

An online writing lab is available to cardholders who would like input on any projects or documents they are writing. Normally the turnaround time on this service is less than two days.

It is not original to say, “Ask a librarian,” but if you haven’t in some time it is time to do so again. The Key Center Library is open every day but Sunday. For more information, call 253-548-3309 or go to www.piercecountylibrary.org.


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