Everyone knows Crete Public Library for their selection of adult, teen, and children's books, but there are a variety of other free things you can do when you visit the library. In honor of National Library Week, here is a list of 15 things the library offers.
1. Library cards are free to everyone
Library cards are free to anyone—no matter what town you are from. Use your card to check out books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines and periodicals, cake pans, and more. Soon, the library will offer a "Library of Things" where you can check out non-traditional items like small kitchen appliances.
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2. No more late fees
At the end of 2019, Crete Public Library was one of the first Nebraska libraries to go fine-free. Late fees are not charged for print or audiobooks. Lost or damaged book fees still apply if you do not return your item. Learn more about borrowing materials.
3. Drive-thru hold pickups
Reserve a book online or by calling the library and use the drive-up window to pick up your books. You can also return books and DVDs at the drop-off box.
4. Reserve a study or meeting room
If you need a quiet room to study, do a Zoom meeting, or hold a small group meeting, individual study rooms and meeting rooms are available free of charge. Reserve a room online or by calling the library.
5. Children's programming and Story Walk
Crete Public Library offers weekly storytime for children and preschoolers on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Weekend activities are also available. On Saturday, April 29, kids can make a birdfeeder at the library from 1-4 p.m.
Crete's Summer Reading Program is a highlight of the summer for preschoolers to teens. This program includes weekly storytime, activities for all age groups, reading challenges, and kid-focused speakers and presentations, such as the Cirque du Weiner Dog Puppet Show. Summer Reading registration forms will be available at the library.
After attending a children's event, visitors can pack a picnic to enjoy in Library Park, Crete's newest playground. Visitors can use the shade under Crouse Pavilion and read outdoors with the Story Walk. Library Park will soon include new musical instruments.
6. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Kids ages 0-5 who live within the Crete school district can sign up to receive one free book in the mail each month, which they can keep. Parents can register their children at the library. The Friends of the Crete Public Library sponsors this program.
7. Computer use and training
Adult and children's computers are free to use at Crete Public Library. Kids can play educational games on the children's computers, and printing is available for a small fee. Laptops are also available for checkout.
Every Tuesday, the library offers free one-on-one instructional sessions on Canva, email setup, Excel, Facebook, Libby, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Zoom, internet searches, and more.
8. Book clubs
Crete Public Library has two active book clubs, which are open to everyone. The suspense group meets the first Thursday of each month, and Kaleidoscope, the mixed-genre book group, meets the third Thursday. Both groups meet at noon.
9. Crete Reads!
Crete Reads! is a shared reading experience where community members read and discuss the same book. The featured book is "The Orphan Collector" by Ellen Marie Wiseman. Author visits and related talks are presented free of charge, supported by the Friends of the Crete Public Library.
10. Crete Speaker Series
Four times a year, the Friends of the Crete Public Library bring in a speaker to present a program of interest to the community.
11. Outreach services
Crete Public Library offers outreach services to residents who have difficulty visiting the library. Library staff regularly deliver books to residents at Garden Square and Tabitha.
12. Local art displays
Visitors can view artwork made by local Nebraska artists, Doane University students, and kids from Crete Public Schools. Blue River Arts Council provides rotating exhibits hung on the library's art wall.
13. 24/7 Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available to everyone all day, every day. Wi-Fi is also accessible from the outdoor tables, so visitors have access even when the library is closed.
14. Volunteer Income Tax Program
Residents who need help preparing tax returns can visit the library to learn how the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA) can help. VITA is a joint effort with Doane University in which accounting majors help prepare tax returns under the supervision of their professor, available from December through April.
15. Get involved
Residents who want to help put on events, volunteer, or fundraise can join the Friends of the Crete Public Library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the library's programs, assisting the library in achieving its mission, and promoting and advocating for the library. The organization welcomes anyone who wants to help continue making Crete Public Library a resource for the community.
