Books, music and movement bring Henry County’s youngest readers together.
Photo courtesy of Henry County Library System
HENRY COUNTY - If you haven’t checked your local library calendar lately, you might be surprised by what’s on it. Mahjong. Crochet. Murder mysteries. Computer classes for seniors. STEAM programs for homeschoolers. Teen groups. Baby storytime. Even a Hannah Montana nostalgia night.
And that’s just a random Wednesday.
Across Henry County’s five library branches, McDonough, Cochran, Fortson, Fairview and Locust Grove, a whole lot is happening beyond checking out books.
Anna Cogdill, Assistant Director of Programming and Outreach, and Erica Ware, Assistant Director of Public Services, told us there’s a lot of thought behind what ends up on that calendar.
“Each community is different,” explained Erica. Take Mahjong. It’s become popular in Stockbridge because people there are interested in it. Staff pay attention to what patrons are talking about, what’s trending, and what people tell them they’d like to see.
Adult participants put their detective skills to work during a library murder mystery.
Photo courtesy of Henry County Library System.
That’s also how Hampton ended up with a murder mystery program.
People interested in true crime wanted something where they could actually solve a case. Now participants gather for as long as three hours, pull out whiteboards, debate suspects, and try to crack the mystery together.
The unexpected part? Erica says people come in as strangers and start forming friendships.
The library has also expanded its homeschool programming after families asked for more STEM. That now includes coding, science, and other hands-on activities. And here’s something worth knowing: the programs are free. Always.
Anna and Erica see the library as something bigger than a building full of books. They call it a “third space,” a place outside of home, work or school where everyone in the community has somewhere to go and somewhere to belong.
That may be the part we like most.
So the next time you’re looking for something to do, learn or try, check the library calendar before assuming you have to leave Henry County.
Turns out, one of the county’s best community resources has been sitting there all along.
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Henry County Library System Event Calendar