If you’ve only been using the library to check out new books, you’ve been doing it all wrong. Your library membership includes a whole slew of other benefits and activities. So the next time you swing by the Town of Collierville Library, stop by the information desk to learn more about the opportunities awaiting you.
Town of Collierville Library
Join a Book Club
New to the library and looking to meet other bibliophiles? Consider joining the library’s book club. This monthly gathering is organized by Friends of the Library. The group picks out a new book monthly and meets on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Halle Room. New to the group? Not a problem! This is an open gathering. Everyone is welcome. So stop by the circulation desk to learn which book is on the reading list this month.
And if you’re looking to start your own book club but need some assistance getting it off the ground, you’re in luck! The Town of Collierville Library offers the Anne Babin Book Club in a Bag program. As the name suggests, everything you’ll need to start your book club is provided. And the bags can be checked out at the front desk, which makes them very easy to find. Bags include 10 copies of the book plus a list of introductory questions and a helpful information guide. Each bag can be checked out for eight weeks.
Discover Education Opportunities
The library isn’t just a great place to curl up with a book. The Town of Collierville Library is also a great place to continue your education. Take a moment to peruse the library’s online calendar and see which events spark your interest. Classes vary in topic. Some are focused on computer literacy and show you how to use popular programs like Microsoft Excel. Other classes provide sessions with master gardeners where you can learn about pruning and planting. You can even book 30-minute, one-on-one instructional time if you have questions about setting up an online account at the library, need help downloading an app, or would like help with your e-reader.
Take Advantage of Museum Access
There are plenty of perks of being a member of the library, but many people don’t realize their library card can do more than get them into the library. In fact, that little plastic card doubles as your entrance pass to some of the area’s best known museums and attractions including The Dixon Gallery and Gardens and The Pink Palace Family of Museums. All library card holders get free admission for two adults and children. This offering reflects the library’s mission to support the cultural needs of its patrons and encourage community participation in the arts. Passes are given on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Call the library’s Circulation Desk at 901-457-2602 to to learn about available passes.
Enjoy Digital Content
Because we now live in a digital age, you don’t have to head to the library to take advantage of your membership. So if weather is keeping you inside, you can still download a new book online. eBooks and eAudiobooks are just a sampling of the library’s digital archive. There are even digital magazines you can flip through. Check out the library’s growing online collection and discover a new way to enjoy the library.
Join the Friends of the Library
One of the best ways to get involved at the Town of Collierville Library is to join the Friends of the Library. New members are always welcome, and a $10 annual membership fee is all that it costs to join the group’s activities and benefit the library. The nonprofit group helps support the library’s efforts throughout the year at volunteer and fundraising events, sponsorship programs, and more. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to meet other enthusiastic readers and library supporters and lend your time and your talent to this community staple.
The Friends meet once a month on the first Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Halle Meeting Room inside the library. So if you’re interested in joining the fun, swing by the Library Information Desk or the Friends Again Book Store to fill out the membership form.
Donate
You might not have extra time on your hands to volunteer at library events and fundraisers, but you can still help out! The library accepts new and gently used books, which means you can put that pile of already-read books back into circulation. If your donations don’t end up in the library’s collection, they are added to the inventory of upcoming book sales to help raise funds for the library. Simply bring your books to the library, and look for the book drop near the left of the entryway. All genres of books are welcome, including fiction, non-fiction, romance, children’s books, textbooks, magazines, and original DVDs and CDs.
_____
Libraries are amazing resources that sadly often go underutilized. If you haven’t yet explored all the opportunities that await you at your local library, take a little time to browse the shelves, wander through the website, or simply chat with a librarian. You might be astonished at how many valuable resources and services the library can provide to you.
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities makes it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle, with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. To learn more about our amenities and services, please contact us online.