Start Your Reading Adventure at the Richmond Hill Library

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰

Libraries are a pillar of every strong community, and the Richmond Hill Library is no exception. The library offers free and low-cost programs and services for all who live or work in Bryan County as part of the Statesboro Regional Library System, which also has locations in Statesboro, Swainsboro, Claxton, Metter and Pembroke.

The Richmond Hill branch recently reopened after a 2000 square foot renovation that includes a community meeting room, a new children’s area, study rooms and a nursing room. With vibrant blue walls and shelves filled with thousands of books for readers of all ages, the new branch has so much to offer.

“I’m most excited about the children’s area,” says Belle Ranisate, assistant manager of the Richmond Hill Library. “It’s so much bigger and brighter and it’s such a welcoming, fun space for children to experience.”

Families on the go and senior citizens also benefit from the addition of a drive-through window service, where patrons can pace items on hold and pick them up without leaving their vehicles. “If you don't have time to come in and chat with us for a few minutes, the drive-through is a wonderful tool,” says Ranisate.

𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒

The Statesboro Regional Library System is a member of the Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES), a statewide library system that covers hundreds of Georgia libraries across 146 counties. As a PINES library, patrons can request books, movies and other materials from any other library in the PINES system which can be delivered to your home library at no cost to you. A convenient app for iPhone and Android devices allows patrons to search the catalog, place holds, renew items and build reading lists.

Any Georgia resident can get a PINES card free of charge. There is no minimum age to get a library card, but a parent or legal guardian must sign the application for children under 18.

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Richmond Hill Library hosts preschool story time on select Tuesday mornings featuring songs, books and crafts. On select Mondays, preschoolers can pick up a craft project to take home. Children can also attend special bilingual story times to learn phrases in Korean and Spanish.

Students from Richmond Hill High School host STEM Scholars, a program held on select Saturdays to share the love of science and technology with children ages 5-11. “It’s a really fun partnership we have with the high school to bring STEM into the library,” says Ranisate.

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Every summer, kids are challenged to nurture their love of reading. The Richmond Hill branch is planning a series of special programs that align with this year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at the Library.” Readers will track their progress through the Beanstack app and for every ten books read, they earn a reading badge.

Beginning June 1, patrons will enjoy learning about cultures and destinations with challenges akin to “The Amazing Race.” 

“Each Saturday, we’re going to have stations set up for families to come in and complete. Each week will connect to a different country: families can complete the challenge together and get entered into a raffle to win a prize.” says Ranisate. “We’re doing a lot of stuff throughout the summer to get people into the library by showcasing different cultures and books that inspire travel and adventure.”

𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

A thriving Friends of the Library group supports the library through its volunteer efforts. They host a monthly used book sale on the first Saturday of each month to raise money for library programs. The books are sourced from discards from library collections and donations from the public. They also have a monthly meeting to plan for future projects.

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

Patrons can use computers to access the Internet, spruce up resumes or do schoolwork. Printing is 15 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color. Other services offered for a nominal cost include faxing, scanning, exam proctoring and laminating.

While there are many computers available onsite, patrons can also check out Chromebooks to take home. “Sometimes you just want to be able to work at home, and that’s a big help for some of our families,” says Ranisate.

Digital assets are also available with a library card. Download the Libby app, create an account with your library card number and select Georgia Download Destination as your library. Georgia Download Destination includes thousands of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines for all ages that can be checked out from the comfort of home.

The children’s digital selection is expanded through eRead Kids, a collection of 15,000 ebooks and audiobooks for young readers. These books can be accessed through the Boundless app.

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞

Members of the public can reserve meeting and study rooms for programs that serve an educational, cultural civic or recreational purpose. Fees vary based on meeting space and duration.

𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬

There are more than just books available at the library! Check out a Georgia State Park Pass that gives patrons free admission to any of the participating Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, including Fort McAllister, Skidaway Island State Park and Wormsloe State Historic Site.

Venture out beyond the Coastal Empire by checking out resources that offer free admission to the Center for Puppetry Arts, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Zoo Atlanta and other educational destinations.

The Richmond Hill Library is located at 9607 Ford Ave. and is open Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm and 9am-2pm on Saturdays. Stop by or use the drive-through to find your new favorite book or to plan your next family adventure!