It happens at the library! From story time for the kids to helping put your resume together and even practicing for that all important job interview.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Eva Perry Regional Library, you will be happy to know that they are fully up and running with all the same in-person programs they’ve always had, plus they’re keeping their virtual programs and services as well.
Regional Manager Carrie Lee sat down with Suburban Living to tell us of all the amazing things going on at our Eva Perry Library.
We asked, “What would you like people to know about the library that maybe they didn’t know?”
Carrie said, “Definitely some of the services that we offer. I think a lot of times people just aren’t aware of some of the things that they can get assistance with, through the library.”
Carrie loves what she does as she told us about the kinds of one-on-one appointments that people can make with their adult services librarians, both in person or virtually, making it more convenient for more people and not just those who may prefer the in-person, face-to-face interaction.
One of the programs she told us about is Device Advice.
“[Device Advice] is where you can get help learning how to do e-books and audio through the library. You can bring in whatever device you have—whether it’s your smartphone, your tablet, your Kindle—and the librarian will sit down with you one-on-one and go through the process from start to finish. ‘Here’s how you can download books to read at home or listen to.’”
Another, perhaps lesser-known service that would benefit so many is Get That Job.
Did you know that a librarian can…
Go over your resume and cover letter and offer editing suggestions
Help with filling out online job applications
Help you practice your interviewing skills and learn the FAQs you need to know
“This is such a wonderful service,” Carrie said. “We’ve had so many people over the years come back and let us know, ‘You met with me and you helped me, and then I got a job.’ That’s just the best feeling to know that you made a positive impact difference in somebody’s life.”
Two other valuable services are Level Up and Research It. Level Up is for students applying to college. The library offers test prep materials as well as information on financial aid and FAFSA.
Carrie did point out that “We don’t do it for them, but we’ll point them towards the resources and information to get the help they need.”
“Research It,” Carrie explained, “is for any research reference question somebody might have that takes a little bit more digging to find the information. It could be that somebody’s working on a research paper or book. A librarian can help with that!”
But wait, there’s more!
Carrie told us, “We started back up with in-person story time nights and at least one story time every morning, Monday through Saturday. And then we also have weekly programs for our school-aged kids. Kindergarten through second [grade] is once a week on Tuesday afternoons, third through fifth is once a week on Monday afternoons, and we also have a weekly teen program. Once a week on Sundays, we have an ABC Craft and Learn, which is kindergarten readiness to teach some of those skills (like using scissors, motor skills, fine motor skills) to help [kids] get ready to learn to read and write. For our adults, we have tried-and-true, once a month, book clubs. We have several that meet the same day of the week, same time of day each month. And each month, they’ve got a book that they all pick up at the library, read, and then come together to discuss with a librarian. Also about once a month, we’re offering some sort of craft for adults, because that is something that tends to be really popular with our patrons.”
If that’s not enough, the library offers regular music and art events.
Carrie told us about Meet the Artist.
“That’s when an artist will come in and have their work on display. And if they have something they’re working on, they’ll bring that and work on it out on the floor where people are coming in and out of the library. People can stop and talk to them and ask them questions about how they create their art.”
Of course, most people associate a library with books and reading and authors. Which brings us to another popular program—Meet the Author.
Carrie explained, “If we offer a program with an author that’s well known, we can expect a good turnout. And that’s another good thing about getting into the virtual space…in the past, all of our author programs were in-person events, and a lot of them still are. I think we will continue to offer a combination of both virtual and in-person, just because they do reach a slightly different audience.”
She went on to mention that some programs, like their guided meditation, for example, does much better virtually.
“We found that whenever we offer that program virtually, tons of people sign up and participate. People like to be able to do that kind of thing in their home in their own quiet, peaceful environment.”
Carrie also talked about the quiet reading and studying room for those who require the concentrated silence of a library. They also have free Wi-Fi.
Here are just a few of the things going on in coming months:
EVA Evening Book Club
Meets every 1st Monday at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Novel Readers
Meets every 2nd Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Historical Fiction Book Club
Meets every 3rd Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Library Loopers
Meets the 1st Thursday of every month for stitching and conversation as they begin their new needle-craft group! Bring your current project and get to know other stitchers in the community. Trade tips and tricks as you chat and stitch.
For more information about these and all of the library programs being offered, please visit the Eva Perry Library website:
https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/libraries/locations/eva-perry-regional-library. Or better yet, go in and talk to a librarian!
