If you haven’t been to your public library in a few years, then you haven’t been to the public library!

A lot has changed at public libraries in Green County, and the libraries are working hard every day to meet the wants and needs of the residents they serve. Libraries are also working together to increase awareness of the many resources and services available through a new public awareness campaign called “My Library My Place.”

“Public Libraries in Green County have always been friendly and helpful places,” said Lauren White, Director of New Glarus Public Library. “But today we are focusing more on being welcoming, comfortable places where people want to spend their free time.”

One of the initial campaign themes is “Josh’s Place,” which emphasizes that the public library has excellent resources for students and it’s a place to work together. “As student homework assignments increasingly require internet access, the library is a place to connect to free WiFi, use computers, and find both online and print reference materials needed to do meaningful research and exploration,” said Bronna Lehmann, Director of Belleville Public Library.

“A wide range of high quality online resources can be accessed 24/7 through your library’s website using your barcode,” said Sharon Briggs, director of Monticello Public Library. “Online resources like Learning Express Library (available through BadgerLink.net) can significantly enhance the learning experience for young students.”

For a number of years—at least since the advent of widespread Internet use—there have been persistent rumors that public libraries are breathing their last gasping breaths. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Admittedly, the libraries of yesterday are gone, having been replaced by vibrant centers of activity, learning, and creativity. Significant numbers of library customers still check out books, music CDs and audiobooks, and DVDs each year, but that’s no longer the entire library story. People today use the public library to: attend story time or a book discussion group; get computer/software training; download eBooks and audiobooks; network with classmates or business associates; use high-speed Internet access; research family genealogy; find a quiet place to read; conduct research for a class; take educational or professional examinations; and learn about local history

Every librarian has heard the question: “With the Internet so available, does anyone really use the library anymore?” The simple answer is an unqualified yes.

To see what your local library offers, stop by or visit: http://www.newglaruspubliclibrary.org; http://www.monticellopubliclibrary.org; or http://www.bellevillelibrary-wi.org.