Warsaw Community Public Library proves to be the most happening place in Kosciusko County, according to Kathy Stutzman, public relations manager at the library. It receives over a quarter of a million of visits and approximately half a million items are checked out in a year.

Their ability to handle such a large number of visitors comes down to a great staff, according to Stutzman and director Ann Zeydek.

For many throughout the county, the library is the place to be to complete research, meet friends or attend events, classes and workshops, which are planned monthly. There are also plenty of meeting rooms from large to small, which are available for community use. Projectors are also in one of the meeting rooms and offers the ability to hold a video conference.

The library holds several activities, which draws in many visitors. Programs are open to everyone not just card holders and cover every age group from stories in the park and New Release Tuesdays to Chinese Mandarin language classes and Make it, Take it Crafts. Several clubs are also available including the Knit & Purl Club, Genealogy Club, Cookbook Club and the new Lego Club.

Warsaw Community Library is also happening when it comes to the latest technology. Patrons can check out e-books through OverDrive, pay late fees online, complete registrations for programs online and request or hold books.

A great IT department keeps the library up to date on the latest technology and makes sure their internet system is one of the fastest in the area. Their internet is free and open to the public; they also offer free wifi.

The library is also staying on top of e-readers, smartphones and tablets with an application connecting them to the online catalog. Warsaw Community Public Library also has iPads available for use in their teen area.

Currently, the library is working on utilizing interactive technology and social media to further enhance visitors’ experiences. The library’s Facebook account is extremely active alerting to future events, the book of the day and other library news. They even have a Pinterest account with pins offering potential activities for all age groups.

The library is researching the possibility of patrons being able to leave book reviews on the online catalog since their system has been upgraded. Currently, the library has a blog for reviewing. Another popular interactive feature is the electronic newsletter, which contains a video of the month, news, events with links to register and more.

Courses are offered to help patrons and visitors adapt to new technologies and feature a variety of topics including how to use computers, different devices, programs, e-books and more. Courses are influenced by patrons and visitors who voice their interests to the library. Teens have also been given opportunities through the library to learn how to create their own content for online use.

No matter if it is technology or programing, Warsaw Community Public Library is constantly listening to patrons and visitors about what they would like to see, which has helped them stay ahead and meet many needs.

“We still have the traditional services,” said Zeydek. “However, we are books and more.”

For information, contact Warsaw Community Public Library at (574) 267-6011 or visit them online for the latest news and events at www.warsawlibrary.org.