The Grand Island Public Library opened a new 25,000-square-foot addition in February 2007, but that was only part of the expansion project.

After books were moved into the new addition, remodeling work on the old part of the library began. That work is expected to be completed later this summer.

Then Grand Island will be able to boast of having a newly remodeled and expanded library.
Established in 1884, The Grand Island Public Library is this diverse community’s center for a lifetime of learning and literacy, providing free and equal access to services and resources to meet the public’s informational, recreational and educational needs through:

- The Grand Island Public Library — (308) 385-5333, located at 211 N. Washington St. (corner of Highway 30 and Washington Street). Funds from the Edith Abbott estate were the seed money for the building. The library has been at this location for 33 years. A 25,000-square feet addition has been constructed and the original side is being renovated. The entire expansion is due for completion by Aug. 31.

- The Hall County Bookmobile, with a variety of stops throughout Grand Island and Hall County (call the library for a current schedule.)

- The library’s Internet branch at www.gi.lib.ne.us, has information about library services and 24/7 access to the public catalog, informational databases and other online resources such as the Friends Online Book Clubs service.

The Edith Abbott Memorial Library has more than 130,000 volumes in its collection, including books, magazines, newspapers, and expanding multimedia formats such as videotapes, DVDs, and books and music on tape CD.

In recent years, the library’s array of technology resources has expanded, too.
The library has 60 public access computers, with access to the library’s online catalog, informational databases, and filtered and unfiltered Internet access available. Recent renovations have created a computer lab that allows for classes and use of a variety of Microsoft applications, including Internet access. The Children’s Section also offers CD-ROM educational computer games and new touch-screen technologies.

To aid in accessing public computers, the library uses a program to manage its computers and printers. Patrons are able to reserve their own computers and use the library’s printers more easily.

Obtaining a library card is easy with proof of current address, and there is no charge for residents and non-residents alike. Patrons can use their library card to check out materials and for home/office access to various in-library and Internet branch databases and resources.
The reference desk answers an average of 75 questions a day and helps with research over the phone through a special reference phone line, 385-5336, and e-mail at refdesk@gi.lib.ne.us.

A unique feature of the reference section is the Abbott Sisters Research Center, complete with books and articles by and about Edith and Grace Abbott, Grand Island native sisters and social service/policy pioneers.

Also included in reference services are the local links area, with copies of reports deposited with our library for public examination, and genealogy materials, including a state DAR library and the Ella M. Sprague collection.

Services to children and teens have been strongly developed to ensure that children are ready to learn and to read, and that they succeed as students which leads to lifelong success.
This begins with BabyTALK volunteer visits to the hospital; followed by baby and toddler lapsits; a series of five-week parent/child workshops; a ParenTALK collection, including parenting books, videos and pamphlets written in Spanish and English offering tips on child rearing; story times; a developing Early Literacy/Discovery Center; and other programming and materials in the Children’s Section.

Together, these services comprise Family Place, Grand Island’s central means for the family to experience the joy of reading and exploring together with the goal of lifelong literacy and the provision of vital interactive services, information and support in raising children.

Teen services take this joy of reading and exploring into the middle school and high school years with special programming and materials. Recent changes to the teen area provide a more relaxed atmosphere for teens to gather as they use the library. A Young Adult Advisory Board provides valuable advice to staff in planning programs and selecting materials.

The summer months are filled with special reading-enrichment programming for children and teens alike. The Summer Reading Program begins immediately after school closes in May and continues through July. Daily programs for children are centered around the program’s theme, along with craft days, preschool story times, writing classes and movie days.

Outreach reading activities are provided to schools and various locations throughout the community and county during the summer reading program. Summer reading programs for teens are generally held every other week.

Examples of other materials and services provided by the library include, but are not limited to:
- Wireless Internet access.
- Spanish-language reading materials for adults and children.
- Equipment to aid the visually impaired, both through magnification and voice synthesis, and a Sign Language Lab.
- A coffee area for patrons to relax and read.
- Public meeting and study rooms.
- An art exhibition wall.
- Fee services such as photocopying and printing (black/white and color), fax services and interlibrary loan.
- Adult Book Club.

During the school year, library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays (after Labor Day).
Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays during the summer.

For more information about any of these services, or to sign up for any of the above children’s or teen programs, please call the library at 385-5333.