By Megan Willis
When I was a young girl, I practically grew up at the library. My mother was an avid reader and would finish a 300+ page novel in two to three days, prompting a return to the library. It felt like we were always there. Inevitably, she passed down her love of reading and books to me. Yes, I love to buy books for my home library, but I also still really enjoy going to the library. It seems I may be in the minority, though. I took a quick tally amongst the people in my life and was in shock to learn I was the only one with a library card. How can this be?
Our libraries are extremely under-utilized and under-valued resources for the community. In addition to the many, monthly events they organize at each of their locations — from songwriting workshops to Dungeons & Dragons gatherings to yoga for seniors — the Cobb County Public Library System offers so many free amenities for residents of any age. Along with way too many events to list here, they also provide several services, resources, and discounts of which you may not be aware.
Here are some of the services offered if you own a Cobb County library card:
- Free or discounted entry to several parks and museums in Georgia
- Chattahoochee Nature Center, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta History Museum, GA State Parks and Historic Sites, and Zoo Atlanta, to name a few.
- Passport Services — available at the Mountain View and West Cobb Regional locations.
- Cobb Connections — a one-stop resource page for valuable community resources like help with Medicare, emergency assistance, job searching or housing.
- Partnered with FindHelp (findhelp.cobbcounty.gov)
- Craftsy — an online resource for creatives with over 1,400 instructional videos spanning 20 different creative passions like yoga, gardening, and more.
- Perks Programs — offering 10-percent discounts at local businesses
- 28 current participating business, such as Hamp and Harry’s, The GA Ballet, and The Local Exchange.
- Wi-Fi and Hotspots
- Checkout a Chromebook for up to three weeks or a Hotspot for seven days to help you with business and personal needs.
- Books by mail for those with physical disabilities, long-term illness, or residing in a care facility.
For more information, visit cobbcounty.gov/library and checkout more than just books. •
COBB COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCATIONS
East Cobb Library (Marietta)
Gritters Library (Marietta)
Kemp Memorial Library (Marietta)
Lewis A. Ray Library (Smyrna)
Mountain View Regional Library (Marietta)
North Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw)
Powder Springs Library (Powder Springs)
Sewel Mill Library (Marietta)
Sibley Library (Marietta)
South Cobb Regional Library (Mableton)
Stratton Library (Marietta) *Currently closed for renovation
Sweetwater Valley Library (Austell)
Switzer Library (Marietta)
Vinings Library (Atlanta/Smyrna)
West Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw)
