George welcomes first public library

GEORGE - Residents of George now have a public library to call their own, after the North Central Regional Library recently opened their newest Grant County branch.

"It is really exciting because George has never had a library before," said Betty Simon, librarian for the new North Central Regional Library branch. "And we're just glad to serve George in this new way and we feel that it will be beneficial."

The library occupies 2,000 square feet of an office complex in George, and Simon said patrons can find a little bit of everything at the library.

The branch has a large children's collection and an extensive list of research books and encyclopedias, in addition to their regular catalogue, she said. Simon also said that most of the books at the George library are brand new.

The library also carries a variety of audio and video titles, said Simon. Patrons can access the Internet with the library's set of computers, or use their own devices to connect to the library's wireless internet.

"We just have a lot to offer," said Simon.

Simon said that while she enjoys helping patrons of all ages, she gets the most out of showing students how to use the library to their benefit.

"A lot of our hours are after school hours, so we can better serve school students," she said. "They can do their research here, and do their homework here."

Simon said that foot traffic at the new library has been steady since the library's opening earlier this month.

"We've been very busy issuing new library cards, and helping people check out items," said Simon. "It's been really exciting."

Simon said the library is already starting to see several regulars, who come in like clockwork to check out new books and other items. She said an older gentleman visited the library the day it opened, and couldn't believe his town finally had a library.

"He's come in every day now to check out books, and it's so awesome to see that this is a reality after so many years," said Simon.

The George branch is located at 108 N. Washington Way. Library hours are Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.