It is a time for tightening belts and saving money in any way possible.  Historically, times of economic upheaval have also brought about an increase in library usage across the country.  Over the last half of the twentieth century, and into the new millennium, the services and materials offered by libraries has changed drastically.  The Adrian Branch Library has kept up with these trends and strives to provide accommodating library services to all of its patrons.

  No longer are books the only items offered for public use in our local libraries.  Along with books are magazines, newspapers, audio-books, reference materials, movies and puppets.  With a philosophy that supports intellectual freedom, part of the job of a library is to provide information in various forms for the use of its patrons.  With the advent of technology, libraries now provide resources such as computers and free internet access, including wii-fi.

  Job tools are also available at the library, such as materials on creating resumes and letters of job inquiry.  Job searching can be done via printed documents and through online resources.  Government programs are available online, including state programs for those recently laid off and in need of unemployment benefits, government relief, etc.

  More and more people stop by the library to pick up tax forms, or fill out their taxes online.  Both Federal and State tax forms are available online, and distributed free of charge at the library.  While librarians cannot give tax advice, nor interpret tax information, they can guide patrons to needed resources.

  With free internet access and computer usage, patrons can conduct research, job searches, purchase items, communicate via email, etc.  The library’s wii-fi capabilities make it a perfect venue for those with laptops, especially those visiting Adrian and staying with relatives and friends that do not have internet access in their homes.  The United States government feels so strongly about providing access to intellectual information that it provides funding resources so that libraries can provide free internet access to patrons.

  The library also provides traditional services and materials for readers of all ages.  From the youngest of children, to those beginning to read, to juveniles, teens, college students and adults, there is something for everyone.  For older teens, searching for colleges and vocational schools, the library has books and resources for finding those perfect matches.  Information on scholarship programs, the FASFA program for financing education, and other programs are available at the library.  The high speed internet also always for the fast submissions of FASFA forms and college application forms online.

  The library has a vast array of medical materials available.  Information on programs for the elderly or those with special needs can be found in the library.  Large print materials, audio materials, and other resources are provided through the library.

  A library is also a place for leisure and provides fiction books and materials.  Those materials for children are a way to encourage reading and to increase reading skills and comprehension.  Approximately twenty years ago, libraries began to include movies as part of their ongoing services.  Libraries are not as prolific in their offerings as Netflix or Blockbuster, but old and new movies can be checked out at the library [with a general waiting period for newer titles].  Books and movies can be reserved online, as long as a person has a library card.  Items not within the local library system can be ordered through the statewide database, MnLink, again at no charge to the patron. 

  Library cards are free, as is the use of library materials.  Libraries are funded through local, state and federal taxes and are available to the public by law.  For more information, please stop in at the Adrian Branch Library, 214 Maine Avenue, Adrian, MN;  call:  507 483-2541; email: adrian@plumcreeklibrary.net; webpage:  http://www.plumcreeklibrary.org/adrian;  library cards can also be used to reserve items outside the Plum Creek System:  http://www.mnlink.org/  

Adrian Branch Library Hours: Mondays 11-8 Tuesdays 12-5 Wednesdays 11-5 Thursdays 12-5 Fridays 11-5 Saturdays 10-1