One of the most tremendous assets in the community is the Cullman County Public Library System (CCPLS), which was established in the 1960s. Most people are familiar with the system’s main branch in downtown Cullman. There are also community branches in Hanceville, Holly Pond, Garden City and Colony.
“The libraries are free for anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Cullman County and many services and programs offered do not even require a person to have a library card,” said CCPLS Director Amber Thornton. “The library isn’t just a building with books in it. We provide equal access to information, educational resources, a bridge for the digital divide, support for job seekers, social services connections and a free ‘third space’ for those who need a place to rest.”
The libraries offer a wide variety of programs, clubs and contests.
“We believe providing regular storytime programs helps prepare children for school, teaching them listening skills, supporting language development and fostering a love of learning and reading at an early age,” said Thornton. “It’s also important to us to provide educational opportunities for patrons of all ages and interests. We hold writing contests multiple times per year. We also provide free public computer access, notary services, Wi-Fi and help with technology through our ‘Borrow a Librarian’ program.’”
If there’s one thing library staff appreciate, it’s volunteers! They’re vital, helping execute programs, keep the library tidy, shelve books, sort donations and more.
“Volunteers are so important because we’re able to make more things happen and better serve our community,” Thornton said. “The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit that helps plan and execute fundraising events to benefit programs and Capital Campaign to renovate and expand our downtown building. It’s crucial to our success, as they support financially, through advocacy and volunteering. Volunteers also help the library financially. One hour of volunteer time is worth $31.80, and this time can be used as local match funding in grant writing.”
One thing the library does that most people may not realize is helping patrons bridge the “digital divide.”
“More and more people are left behind in the digital skills they need in their daily lives. This especially affects aging patrons,” shared Thornton. “A common misconception is the library only provides books and programs, but we’re actually a hub for social services and business needs that many people cannot access for free elsewhere. We help people create/print/fax documents, build resumes and perform research. We provide free notary services every weekday and Wi-Fi in the building and on mobile hotspots for borrowing. We also offer e-books and audiobooks for those who prefer digital reading or cannot see well.”
Over the next five years, the CCPLS hopes to continue meeting the informational needs of the community, providing high-quality materials and services, serving as the heart of the community for literacy and lifelong learning, creating community partnerships and improving library facilities through renovation and expansion.
Donate to the Capital Campaign: friendsofthepubliclibrariescullman.org
Sign up to volunteer: cullmanlib.org
“People can help simply by getting a library card. This helps our statistics when we apply for grants and turn in yearly reports to the Alabama Public Library System,” Thornton explained. “The best way our community can support us is to visit, meet us and help us advocate.”