Why You Should Visit Your Local Library
Public libraries are some of the most underutilized facilities. They’re a great place to rent free books and movies, but borrowing media is only one of the many benefits of visiting your local library. Grand Junction, Colorado, is lucky enough to have three Mesa County Libraries, all with unique resources and services available to residents.
What’s At The Library?
Libraries have evolved so much in recent years. They’re a wonderful place to build community and gain access to tons of amazing resources.
Books
Books are still the heart of libraries. You can find any book imaginable at the library, whether a classic piece of literature or the latest romance. You can search the library’s online catalog by title, author, or subject. This catalog will tell you if the book is available for checkout and what branch it is at. If you want a book, you can place a hold and even have it transferred to your local branch. Mesa County Libraries also offer home delivery with their Words on Wheels Homebound Service for seniors and other individuals who cannot access the library.
You’ll notice there are different options for each book in the catalog. Depending on the book's popularity, you can borrow a physical copy, audio CD, eBook, or large print edition. If you don’t see the format you want for a specific book, let your librarian know, and they should be able to accommodate you.
Computers
The library has computers, laptops, and tablets that you can use for two hours. They also have an adaptive computer with large-print keys located in the non-fiction area of the library. Some devices, like laptops and tablets, are available for checkout with a valid ID.
The library also offers technology assistance if you’re new to smart devices and need help navigating a personal device or one from the library. You can take a free computer class, access the technology guide, or book a one-on-one appointment with a librarian.
Cultural Passes
Grand Junction, Colorado, and the surrounding communities have many cultural and natural experiences worth exploring. Some of these locations have pricy admission fees, but you can borrow a cultural pass from the library for free entry for you and a few friends.
- Art Center
- Colorado National Monument
- Science Museum
- Museums of Western Colorado
Kits
The Mesa County Library has Take and Make Craft Kits for all ages that you can pick up four times a month (Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, and Nov 1). Each quarter, the library curates kits to teach people new crafts. Some adult crafts have included jewelry making, knitting, painting, and poetry. All kits come with instructions and all needed supplies.
Events
Nearly every day of the week, you can find a community event hosted at one of the Mesa branches. Events include meet and greet with authors, book clubs, and educational courses. These events are often free and open to the public but may require a reservation. You can view the full event calendar online for more information on upcoming events.
Need A Library Companion?
Visiting Angels caregivers love accompanying their clients on neighborhood adventures, especially to the library. Caregivers can happily provide transportation and mobility assistance and help navigate library tools and resources.
Aside from being an amazing library companion, caregivers also help with household tasks like cooking, laundry, and vacuuming. Some clients also receive assistance with showering, dressing, and grooming. Whatever nonmedical tasks our clients need help with, caregivers are here to help.
Visiting Angels Grand Junction offers a complimentary consultation to potential clients throughout Grand Junction to help visualize how caregiving can benefit you. If you live in Grand Junction or the surrounding area, contact us to learn more about at-home caregiving with Visiting Angels.