By Michaela Crawford
What is a library if not a giant resource, but are you aware of the numerous resources available to you FREE OF CHARGE by being or becoming a library patron? These resources have the potential to gain access to numerous avenues of assistance and help you further your support outlets. Resources are a means to enhance and supplement experiences. These experiences can range from a hobby to your career, your education, or an evening out on the town. Knowing your resources and how to access them can greatly alter your experience and our library is here to help you make the most of your experiences.
What goal do you have in mind? Are you in need of assistance with a genealogical search? Are you on the hunt for a better job, but need to jazz up your resume? Are you seriously struggling with algebra? Are computers a completely foreign language to you? It’s okay! The library is available to help!
So, how do you get started? First and foremost a library card is essential. A library card opens thousands upon thousands of doors! Not only do they open magical doors into fictional worlds that have the capability of taking you away on a fantastical adventure, but they can also open very real doors that hold the potential to change your life. You may have found your dream job, but you have not had the need to touch up your resume for over a decade. At this point, you may not be sure what exactly employers are looking for on a resume. Your local library can help.
The Library of Virginia has numerous resources which are made available to patrons of ANY library in Virginia. Brainfuse is one such resource. Brainfuse is available online and a link can be found on Craig County Public Library’s webpage. Using your library card you can create a Brainfuse account. Your account allows you access to resume help, live interview assistance, job search help, as well as tips if you are facing unemployment.
Brainfuse may also help with those pesky homework assignments. Has it been ten years since your last algebra class, but your child is looking to you for help with their math homework? Look no further, Brainfuse is your answer! Live tutoring services, skill-building labs, writing assistance, and language assistance for language learners are available online for your needs. Beginning is simple enough. You can ask a specific question for assistance or you can utilize their live tutoring services available daily from 2 p.m.-11 p.m.
Veterans may also benefit from Brainfuse. Are you at a loss for how to apply for pension benefits, fill out an application for DIC, or understand your accrued benefits? Assistance is available to help locate, apply for, and understand the benefits and resources available to veterans. VetNow navigators are available for assistance Monday-Friday from 4 p.m.-Midnight and from Tuesday-Saturday midnight-1 a.m.
Living in a small community may make you feel as though you have limited resources. However, knowing your resources in a small community is extremely beneficial not only to yourself but to those around you. The more aware you are of your resources and your ability to obtain access to them the more likely you are to aid in the building of a stronger, more resilient, and altogether highly functioning community.
As a library in a small community, we not only offer several resources from the Library of Virginia, but we are a resource ourselves. Beginning with our knowledgeable staff to the thousands of books and movies we have on our shelves, we can assist you with your needs or help you find a way to access the resources available to you. Currently, our library offers computer services, fax/print/scan, book, movie, telescope, and hot spot rental, take and make crafts, book sales, tech tutoring, job assistance, 24/7 Wi-Fi access, and tourism information. If you have forgotten your library as a valuable resource we urge you to stop by, apply for a free library card, take a look around, and familiarize yourself with your local library.
Upcoming and ongoing events:
- Breakfast with Santa Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lasterday Market MORE INFORMATION TO COME
- December Take and Make crafts are available for children and teens FREE
- December Family Togetherness calendars FREE
- Food Drive through Dec. 23. Drop off donated food items during library hours for a chance to win a $10 gift card. All food items are donated to Craig County Department of Social Services
- FREE Christmas book bundles available starting Dec. 5
