Great Places: Jackson County Library System

Did you know that you can check out a metal detector—or a ukulele—from the Jackson County Library System? Or maybe you’ve never heard of the DART van, giving Direct Access to Resources and Technology by providing the community with a mobile hotspot and computer lab. Did you know that you can have documents notarized for free at certain library branches? The possibilities go on and on. The Jackson County Library System (JCLS) is full of new programs—beyond the typical library (which in itself, is still exciting!)

In early 2020, the Library of Things made its grand debut, allowing anyone with a Jackson County library card to check out ‘things’—which range from cooking equipment to jigsaw puzzles. The program didn’t have time to become too popular before Covid hit, but the ‘Library of Things’ is still available—and so cool! If you need a projector or an ice cream maker for a hangout with friends, but don’t really want to invest in the items yourself, the library is here! Depending on availability, some items can even be checked out longer than the average book or DVD.

Hotspots are also something you can check out from the library. If you’re having a hard time getting wi-fi at your house, or traveling somewhere off the grid, a temporary hotspot from the library is a great solution, and you can reserve the device online just as you would a book. As mentioned previously, some branches of the library offer free notary services, including bilingual notaries. “We really want to remove barriers for people,” says Carrie Turney-Ross, the Area Manager for JCLS’s Outreach and Programs. And legal document help isn’t the library’s only way to create opportunities.

When the pandemic shut the libraries down, the staff realized how many people were dependent on the libraries for computer access. With the help of a CARES ACT grant and the Jackson County Library Foundation, JCLS made the idea of a mobile library into a technological dream. The DART van contains its own computer lab and wi-fi hotspots, and makes its rounds to the JCLS library branches and various apartment locations, predetermined by the Jackson County Housing Authority. “It’s fun to see the kids get so excited about the DART van,” says Turney-Ross. “We’ve started carrying around a small collection of books for them to check out, and if they don’t have a library card, we can get them signed up.” Even without parents’ signatures, children can still use ‘minor cards,’ which allow them free access to the libraries’ services, but with checkout limits. Hopefully soon, the DART van will become the epicenter for public workshops, featuring topics surrounding job readiness.

Coming even sooner is the second annual Rogue Reads event, which started at all library branches in December and goes until February. Featuring four books by four indigenous authors—including Robin Wall Kimmerer, who will be speaking during the event—the couple months of book club fun are sure to inspire and educate anyone who’s ever wanted to learn more about the indigenous peoples of North America.

In the slightly farther future, the library system hopes to add to the JCLS online academy. Currently, the selection of courses consists of short ‘how-to’ classes, but in time, JCLS has visions for free citizenship practice tests and adult literacy opportunities. “We want to serve our community and offer people ways to succeed—and feel good about themselves,” concludes Turney-Ross. Since part of guiding people into success involves helping them attain the skills needed to keep a good job, the library system’s focus on taking down barriers and getting the underserved community out into gainful employment is crucial work.

So, support your local library and enjoy all the ways you can get involved. And even if you only want to check out that ukulele, JCLS is there for you!

(Strategy 3.5. Build greater awareness of career opportunities in the region, especially middle skill positions, and in underserved and rural communities).

(Strategy 5.1.4 Engage Partners Traditionally Outside of Economic Development to Work toward Common Goals).