10 Things You Can Do At Your Library (Besides Read)

After a long winter, some of us just don’t want to look at another book, so when we thought about heading to the library…let’s just say there was some resistance. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do that aren’t reading at your local library, like the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library.

1. Attend Daily Programming

Have you seen the events calendar for the library? There’s so much happening every day, it’s almost hard to choose an event to attend! There’s everything from kids events to club meetings like the Digital Photography club or the Knitting Club, talks with your Congressmen, live music, and so much more. Find a program to join today, and take up a non-literary hobby!

2. Rent DVDs

If you’re anything like us, you intended to read that big, long, classic novel this winter, but as spring approaches you’re still only a few pages in. If that’s the case, it may be time to put down the book and just rent the DVD! The library has an extensive video collection you can browse. Whether you’re replacing a book, supplementing it, or just trying to keep the kids busy, check out the collection of videos next time you’re there.

3. Download eBooks & Other Media

Okay, so this one might involve some reading, but the different format may just be the thing you need to finally start or finish those books on your winter reading list. On top of that, you can download audio-books for the morning commute and free music files for a change. Plus, you can get animated picture-books for kids on your iPad or other device!

4. Keep The Kids Entertained

Although the Clifton Park- Halfmoon Library offers tons of adult programming, the library is well known for offering tons of children’s activities that are both interactive and educational. With everything from story hours to crafts and teddy bear sleepovers, there’s so much to do to keep your kids busy and learning.

5. Borrow Museum Passes

The Friends Of The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library fund the Museum Pass Program. Thanks to this program, patrons over 18 who live in the Library Tax District can borrow museum passes for free for three days. Currently, there are 11 museums covered in the program. Who knew?

6. Take Computer Classes

Are your computer skills a bit outdated? Are you still typing with two fingers? Is PowerPoint just something you do when you really want something on a high shelf? If that’s the case, you can sign up for one of the library’s free computer classes. They also offer one-on-one tech tutoring sessions so you can get the most out of your cellphone, email, social media, and more.

7. Use Public Computers & Printing

Once you’ve updated your computer skills, you can head on over to the free public computers or connect to the free wifi. You are welcome to make copies and print pages, starting at just $.10 a page. In addition, you can bring your photos and documents to scan and save to a personal flash drive or CD. With so many technological resources, you may start to wonder why you were only going there to borrow books!

8. View Art Displays

The Art Gallery is sponsored by the Saratoga County Arts Council as part of their Art In Public Places program. See the art collections when your eyes need a rest from all that reading.

9. Notarize Documents

You can bring your unsigned documents to the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library to be notarized. Don’t forget your driver’s license and bring a witness if your document requires one.

10. Volunteer

There are a dozen volunteer committees available through the Friends Of The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library. Choose between special event programming, newsletter contribution, plant swaps, hospitality, and so much more. Give back to the community and support the library by volunteering for one of these opportunities.

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library is located at 475 Moe Road, in Clifton Park.

Will you be taking advantage of one or more of these non-reading programs this spring? Let us know by commenting below! We’ll see you there.