Many wonders fill Georgia’s libraries, and there are many reasons to love this long-standing institution. Discover everything your library offers, from e-books to events, with our guide. Learn some tips to help you take advantage of your local library system.

Explore Endless Titles

Of course, one of the best things about the library is its endless rows of bookshelves. You can find everything you can imagine on them, from thrilling novels to engaging autobiographies. You can also access a variety of digital content with your library account.

Take advantage of the library’s partner programs, like eRead Kids, Libby, and Overdrive, to provide the young learners in your family with access to fiction, nonfiction, comics, magazines, and more, all online. They can stream videos, all for free, with your library account. Some are downloadable, while others you check out temporarily, just like physical books and movies.

Listen to a Story

The Cobb County library is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your little ones. Children of all ages love a story; there are many ways to hear one. Sweetwater Valley Library offers its program every Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The staff designed it for infants through kindergarten-age children. Your little ones will hear stories, sing songs, and create fun crafts to take home.

Read to Me is a unique program through the Cobb County library system. Visit the Switzer location on Tuesday and Thursday at 2:45 p.m. and practice reading your favorite book aloud for 15 minutes. Then, stay for the whole hour and listen to others and the stories they choose to read to the group.

Join a Club

Sign up your teen readers for the BookTok Book Club. This lively group of sixth through 12th graders meets every Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. to share their thoughts and insights on various books. Adults interested in urban fiction are fortunate to have access to South Cobb’s book club. Members meet on the second Wednesday and discuss this dark genre’s focus on the harsh realities faced by African Americans.

Not all clubs at Cobb County libraries focus on books. The West Cobb branch offers Pokemon trainers a place to battle and train with other fans. Bring your favorite Pokemon video games or card deck and make new friends. You can borrow games from the library if you don’t have your own. Learn to play if you’re new to the game and enjoy themed activities and crafts with this dynamic club.

Play Games

If you love games, you’re in luck. The library hosts various events centered around games of all types, from board to card games. You’ll find it all. Join other chess enthusiasts on the first and third Wednesday of the month for a fun-filled evening. Players of all ages and skill levels will go head-to-head on several boards set up in the meeting room. The best part of this event is that you don’t need to pre-register or bring any equipment. Just show up at 5:30 p.m., ready to play.

Do you love Dungeons and Dragons? Head to the West Cobb location. This D&D group is for teens of all skill levels. Even if your child has never played before, your son or daughter is welcome to attend and discover this popular role-playing game on Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Character sheets and dice are available for you to borrow.

Watch a Movie

The Cobb County library is a terrific place to go for movie nights. You can rent from a large selection of DVDs and Blu-rays to take home or stick around and catch a movie at the library. Consider making a movie night part of your family’s weekly activities.

There are also “Kids Movie and Craft” events at the library. Munch on some popcorn and enjoy a showing, then after the film, your kids will do a creative project. Everyone is encouraged to bring pillows and blankets and get cozy. While all ages are welcome to attend, kids 6 and younger must have adult supervision. The Teen Saturday Walk-In Movie event, from noon to 2 p.m., is a chance for your older children to relax with friends. Remember to send them to the Switzer location with snacks and beverages.

Learn Something New

Learn to use computers at one of several beginner classes hosted at the South Cobb branch. Instructor Amanda Sanders will help you brush up on your computer skills or give you a few new tricks to master. For example, you can take Introduction to the Internet and Microsoft Word Basics in February, and there are afternoon and evening classes to suit your schedule.

Tell your artsy teens about the Switzer branch’s crocheting and hand quilting basics courses. Students learn how to do both activities and will bring home their finished product, like a handbag, to show off their work. No experience is necessary, and the library provides all materials. Crafts are just one of the many exciting ways to take advantage of your library and learn something new. Science buffs can geek out at Science Wonderworks. Children will use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to conduct experiments on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m.

Ask an Expert

Whether you want to know how to access the Wi-Fi, get a library card, or volunteer for a few hours, you can ask one of the knowledgeable Cobb County librarians for assistance. The staff members are a wealth of information and can help you locate the information and resources you need. They’re also the ideal person to provide suggestions for reading materials, help you check out a Citizenship and Civics Kit, or tell you where to find a tax form.

Take advantage of your library branch with these tips. With so many ways to enjoy the library, this list only begins to cover all the dynamic programs and services offered to the community. Tell us about your family’s favorite ways to take advantage of the library near East Cobb, Georgia.