Top 10 ways the Beaufort County Library can kickstart your Christmas season
Are you ready for holiday parties, family gatherings and road trips? Let the Beaufort County Library help. Here are the top 10 ways your library can get you motivated to brave the holiday season.
1. Cookbooks. If you're already worried about preparing a large family dinner, check out our huge collection of cookbooks and party planning books. Cooking videos featuring adventurer Anthony Bourdain and the hard-nosed Gordon Ramsay will get you in the mood to put a new spin on old family recipes.
2. Magazines. Why buy the newest issues of Southern Living, Good Housekeeping and Cooking Light when they are available at the library? Also, check out Crafts 'n Things or Real Simple to make that special, low-budget holiday gift.
3. Music. Get in the holiday mood with "A Motown Christmas," Kelly Clarkson or Bing Crosby. If you have little ones, check out "Christmas with the Chipmunks" or "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
4. Movies. If you've pulled the plug on your cable and you want to see the latest Oscar winners such as "Gravity" or a classic such as "It's a Wonderful Life," you can check them out from any branch location. If you're visiting family or friends in York, Clarendon or Calhoun counties, use your Beaufort County Library card to check out movies from their collection. You can even return your Beaufort County Library movies at SC LENDS libraries.
5. Tech help. Need directions to grandma's house? Sign up to use one of our computers or use any of the five branches as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You'll save money on your data plan so that you can have more money to buy the newest gadget. Also, ask us about downloading e-books to your tablet or mobile device.
6. Audiobooks. Are you driving across the state or across the country to visit family while gas prices are low? Save even more by borrowing CDs or Playaways by your favorite authors such as James Patterson, Janet Evanovich or Jeff Kinney ("Diary of a Wimpy Kid"). You can keep audiobooks for two weeks and call the library if you're still out of town and you need more time. You can even renew online or text a librarian.
7. DISCUS databases. Learn about holiday celebrations around the world or learn how to say holiday greetings in different languages using Mango. Don't forget that you can get the latest reviews on the newest gadgets and electronics using Consumer Reports. Ask a library staff member for passwords for home access.
8. Programs. Start a genealogy project at the Beaufort District Collection or attend a Genealogy Drop-In. The holidays are the perfect time to find your roots while generations of your family is together. When you need to get away from your family, de-stress by taking a class on yoga or crocheting.
9. Family time. Between school holiday breaks and road trips, you'll have your hands full. Why not take the kids to the library for a themed storytime, family-friendly movies (with treats) and gaming programs. Check the Beaufort County Library newsletters for holiday programs at all the branches.
10. Friend us. Get involved and become a library advocate. You can join the Friends of the Library and like us on Facebook. You can also sign up to be a volunteer if you want to meet and help others.
Get a jump on the holiday season by signing up for a free library card at your local Beaufort County Library branch today.
Belinda Blue is the branch manager of the Lobeco library.
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This story was originally published November 22, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Top 10 ways the Beaufort County Library can kickstart your Christmas season."