Sumter County Library known as hub of knowledge and resources

The library is a hub of knowledge that holds the scent of aged paper, each book an entrance to a new world to explore. Time stands still in a world of adventure, and from young to old, visitors can lose themselves in the endless imaginations of the authors.

Does this sound like an adventure you might want to partake in? There is a local hub of imagination, knowledge and events to explore at the Sumter County Library at 111 N. Harvin St.

"Libraries are a huge contributor to the community," said Library Director Robert Harden. "Reading is one of those things you can do at any age; it's a pastime, and there are so many things you can read about that you might have an interest in."

Harden started working at the Sumter library in 1980 and worked his way up to the director's position. In 40 years, although the library has evolved with technology and in other ways, he said print books will always be there.

When one thinks of the library, they might think of it as a world of books, but at Sumter County Library, there is so much more offered to patrons. Not only can residents get a free library card and eCards for adults and children, but there are also several events the library hosts for its patrons and the local community.

From book clubs and therapy dogs to movie afternoons, Harden said the mission at the library is to create a space for people to come learn, explore and grow their knowledge in any way possible.

If you need a quiet space for homework, studying, filing paperwork or doing any type of computer work, Sumter County Library has a floor dedicated to the use of computers. There are also printing and faxing services available.

"We (the staff) are here to provide resources for anyone. Some people might need help navigating our online resources or help with something on the computer," Harden said. "We are here to help find that online source or that one book you might need."

Students can get homework help via free internet access at the library, educational databases and digital content using their library card. For kids, there are several online resources such as Tutor.com, Tumble Book Library, Tumble Math and BookFlix to help with reading, math homework and more.

The library provides programs and services for children from birth to 12 years old. There is a massive collection ranging from picture and board books for babies and toddlers to materials for older children.

"There is also a children's service department where they provide materials for parents and teachers as well as bilingual materials in Spanish and English," Harden said.

The Children's Department provides year 'round involvement for the younger patrons with story times for preschoolers, outreach programs for children in daycare centers, an extensive summer program and special events throughout the year. These are free of charge and open to the public.

"One thing that comes to mind is an experience I had when I was walking through the children's department," Harden said.

He said there was a little girl looking at a few different books, and her parents were using the copy machine. When the little girl saw Harden, she quickly put down the books, scared of getting in trouble. He made sure she knew she was not in trouble and asked where her parents were.

"I said, 'well, go and get her and tell her to go get you a library card,'" he said. "Her face lit up and went running to get her mother so she could take many books home with her to read."

Harden said "that is what it is all about," keeping the younger crowd wanting to read and learn and have a local hub of fun and resources.

For more information about the library, visit sumtercountylibrary.org.