15 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do at Crete Public Library
Launch the media gallery 1 playerEveryone knows Crete Public Library for their fantastic 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’s 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’re 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!
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! Just know those lost/damaged book fees still apply if you don't return your item. Learn more about borrowing materials.
3. Drive-Thru Hold Pickups
Reserve a book online or by calling the library and swing by the drive-up window to grab your books! You can also return books and DVDs at our drop-off box.
4. Reserve a Study or Meeting Room
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 & Story Walk
Crete Public Library offers weekly storytime for children and preschoolers on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to watch for exciting weekend activities, as well! On Saturday, April 29, kids can make a birdfeeder at the library from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Crete’s Summer Reading Program is a highlight of the summer for preschoolers to teens. This program includes weekly storytime, fun activities for all age groups, reading challenges, and kid-focused speakers and presentations, such as the Cirque du Weiner Dog Puppet Show, coming this summer! Look for Summer Reading registration forms at the library soon.
After attending a children’s event, pack a picnic to enjoy in Library Park, Crete’s newest playground. Enjoy the shade under Crouse Pavilion and discover the joy of reading outdoors with our Story Walk. Soon, Library Park will include new musical instruments, too!
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 & Training
Adult and children’s computers are free to use at Crete Public Library. Kids can play fun, educational games on our 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 search, and more.
8. Book Clubs
Crete Public Library has two active book clubs, which are open to everyone! Our suspense group meets the first Thursday of each month, and Kaleidoscope, our 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. This year’s 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
Everyone should have access to a great book. If it’s difficult for you to get to the library, we’ll come to you! Crete Public Library regularly delivers books to residents at Garden Square and Tabitha, too.
12. Get a Glimpse of the Local Art Scene
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 our outdoor tables, so you have access even when the library is closed.
14. Volunteer Income Tax Program
Need help to prepare your tax returns? Visit the library to learn how the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA) can help! VITA is a joint effort with Doane University where accounting majors help prepare tax returns under the watchful eye of their professor, available from December through April.
15. Get Involved!
Love your library? Want to help us put on fun events, volunteer, or fundraise? 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. They welcome anyone who loves the library to continue making Crete Public Library a fantastic resource for the community.