Public libraries are just about the best deal on the planet. Yes, our taxes pay for libraries, but that happens whether we use their vast resources or not. Here in Collier County, we get more than our money’s worth. Keep reading to learn about all of the ways you can benefit from our library system.
First, you need to get your library card. Cards are free for county residents (and must be renewed every three years), county government employees, as well as teachers, homeschool parents, and activity directors in Collier County. Non-residents can purchase a card for $100 per year, $50 for six months, or $10 for one month. Go to any branch with your Florida driver’s license or identity card, or school/work identification that shows your current Collier street address. If your address isn’t on your ID, visit collierlibrary.org for a list of documents you can use to prove residency.
Now that you have your card, you are ready to explore.
Books. Yes, obviously books are the main selling point of a library, but there is more on offer than just books on shelves. If the book you want is available at a branch across town, it’s a simple process to have it sent to your local branch, where it will arrive in just a couple of days. If you are housebound, you can apply to borrow books by mail. And we aren’t limited only to the Collier system. You can request items from the FGCU Library, Sanibel Public Library, or even the Seminole Tribal Library System through the interlibrary loan program.
You can even buy books at the library, which is a great option for readers in a county with (sadly) no independent bookstores. Some branches offer a few shelves of books for sale year-round, while others hold occasional sales events.
Ebooks. This is the service I utilize the most. A librarian will assist you if you are struggling with setting up or linking a device to your library account. I access books through Overdrive for my Kindle, but there are other options available. The system of borrowing ebooks has improved vastly in recent years, and I no longer have to panic that six books I’ve waited several months for all arrive in my Kindle at the same time. You can delay the delivery of a book for a few weeks or months.
Audiobooks. There are three different types of audiobooks available: 1) on CD; 2) via download, and 3) on a device that you connect to your phone/car/etc. Ask a librarian for help if you need help accessing or playing audiobooks.
Activities. In-person events are back, and the offerings go far beyond storytimes (go to page 23 for the August schedule). For adults, there are books discussions, lectures on everything from nature to history, and even basic technical assistance. Kids can read to dogs, enjoy time with other Lego fanatics, watch movies, make crafts, and more. Teens aren’t forgotten, with events tailored especially for older kids, as well as teen-only spaces in some branches.
Puzzles. During the pandemic, I discovered that you can borrow jigsaw puzzles for three weeks, just like a book.
Beach passes. You can secure your beach pass at Naples Regional and Marco Island libraries, with proof of residency.
Study space. Collier libraries provide safe and convenient spaces for tutoring for our children, as well as quiet rooms.
Movies and music. For those of us who still use DVDs and CDs, the library is a goldmine. How else could my daughter and I binge watch This Is Us or some other show that isn’t included in my Netflix or Amazon Prime membership? Just like books, you can request DVDs that currently are checked out and have them delivered to your closest branch once they are returned.
Computer access, scanning, printing, and copying. All branches provide internet and Wi-fi access. You can even print remotely to most library locations. The cost for printing or copying is 15 cents per page for black and white, and 65 cents per page for color.
Free stuff. Sign up for free passes to the Children’s Museum of Naples. Every year, library cardholders receive free admission on select summer dates to the Naples Botanical Garden.
Summer reading program. Most libraries host summer reading programs for kids, but did you know that Collier libraries include adults in the fun as well?
Librarians. You can get access to a librarian’s brain for free! You might wonder why would you need a librarian’s help when you can just Google your question? Well, stop to consider that the internet usually doesn’t handle complex questions successfully. Librarians are well-educated professionals who spend their days finding and disseminating information to the public. Schedule an appointment with a librarian to save yourself time and frustration.
By booking a librarian, you can receive “in-depth technical assistance on topics such as starting an email account, searching or browsing the library’s catalog, downloading ebooks or audiobooks, searching the internet, conducting basic research using the library’s electronic resources, or other computer basics,” according to www.collierlibrary.org.
Genealogy research. A genealogy room is maintained in the Naples Regional branch. Volunteers from the Genealogical
Society of Collier County will guide you through the resources available, including the non-circulating collection of genealogy books and periodicals, and useful links for accessing online subscription databases and recommended genealogy websites. Check the room for a schedule of volunteer availability. Please note that the Naples Regional branch is closed until Aug. 10 for renovations, and it is advised that you call before you go to ensure that the library has reopened on that date.
Obituaries. Yes, you can request a hard copy of an obituary through the library. Submit requests to Naples Regional Library, Reference Dept., 650 Central Ave., Naples, Florida 34102 or DL-Library-Obituaries@colliergov.net. A self-addressed stamped envelope will secure one free hard copy of the obituary. The request must include the subject’s full name, as well as your name, phone number, and address.
Voting. You can pick up a voter registration application at any branch, and some Collier branches are voting sites.
Friends of the Library. Joining this group is not free, but your membership fee helps fund programs that the library’s budget doesn’t cover. Individual memberships start at $30 and give you access to member-only events and other benefits.
Find out even more at www.collierlibrary.org.