Bella Vista Library does way more than you think it does

What can the Bella Vista Public Library do for you? We are here to serve the community, and there are no strings attached. The public library is a great example of "Your tax dollars at work." The goal of the Bella Vista Public Library is to be whatever the community needs us to be.

The other day, I heard a gentleman say that he didn't need the library anymore since the Internet had been invented. I agree that the Internet is indeed a handy tool. I use it a lot myself. But, as Abraham Lincoln said, "You can't believe everything you read on the Internet." Think about that.

Many folks think that libraries are irrelevant in today's society. I would like to go on record as saying that is simply not true! Our roles may have changed, but libraries are needed today as much as ever -- maybe even more!

Did you know that we have thousands of e-books to check out? No need to buy them -- just go to our website, www.bvpl.org, and check them out. After two weeks, they disappear from your device. It's that simple. We also have free music to download -- millions of titles. You can go on our website and learn a foreign language -- for free. Did you know that we also have DVDs? No need to go to use Netflix or Redbox. Just come by the library. We try our best to keep all the latest movies, and it won't cost you a dime.

We have recently developed our own app, BVPL Mobile, which you can download to your smartphone. With this handy tool, you can access our catalog, check our calendar to see what events are coming up, ask us questions, etc. One of my favorite features of BVPL Mobile is Booklook. Here's what you can do with Booklook: Let's say you are at a bookstore and see a book you would like to read. Before you buy the book, you can scan the ISBN barcode with Booklook to see if the library has it. If we have it, there's no need to spend your money to buy it. Just come by the library to pick it up. With BVPL Mobile, you can even reserve the book and we'll call you when it is available. How cool is that?

One of the great things about being a small library and serving Bella Vista is that we can cater what we do to fit the needs of the community. For example, if there is a book that you want to read and we don't have it, simply let us know and we will try our best to get it -- usually within a few days. In a larger library system, patrons don't have this privilege. At my former job, our buyer just sent books to us and that's what we put on the shelf. At the Bella Vista Library, we try our best to get what our patrons want. Because of customer requests, we have recently purchased books about using ham radios, traveling in an RV, Scientology and even the Kardashians. All you have to do is let us know what interests you.

I invite you to come by the Bella Vista Library to see what we have to offer. Ask for me, and I'll be happy to show you around. See you at the Library.

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Roxie Wright is director of the Bella Vista Public Library. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Community on 07/20/2016