Throughout history, libraries have been a staple of  local communities as a place for sharing knowledge and ideas. While the items lining the shelves are always changing, their commitment to the communities they serve remains constant. 

Yes, there are still loads of books and periodicals as one would expect, but if you haven’t visited your local branch in recent years, chances are you’re missing out on a whole lot more.

The Palmyra Community Library was first charted in 1906 and has been  serving local residents ever since, helping to capture and preserve Palmyra’s rich history in the process.

A cornucopia of local history items, maps, genealogical files, newspapers and more have all been carefully cataloged and provide a glimpse into Palmyra’s past you won’t find anywhere else.

In another room, local residents are learning how to paint with watercolors.

It’s that combination of curation and creation that has helped local libraries cement their place as community institutions.

Director Sheila Koeberle has been a part of the Palmyra Library for decades and has seen her fair share of changes over the years.

“Were serving more as a meeting house than we have in the past," Sheila shared, adding "There are no barriers here. Everything is free and it’s a safe place for people of all ages.

Let’s say painting is your thing. You can check out one of the numerous books in their collection then take a walk up to the third floor where you’ll find a sprawling art gallery with works from both local and nationally renowned artists. 

Bored teen at home? The library has the books their favorite streaming shows are based on, and if that won’t do the trick, Palmyra also has a large selection of video games for all major consoles.

Having a party? Grab some recipe books and then check out a Charcuterie board to take home. Yes, they lend out Charcuterie boards.

Need a change of scenery? You can check out a pair of binoculars along with birding materials to go out and explore nature, or borrow their passes for the Rochester Science Museum for free entry for two adults and any children in your household.

Sheila says despite misconceptions, the library is "not just a bunch of old ladies reading romance novels."

“Fun things are happening here and your community and neighbors are here.”

She notes that while people’s taste may change, libraries like Palmyra are always looking ahead.

“We’re just the caretakers,” Sheila says, noting they try to look far into the future with every decision they make when it comes to the building and organization. 

The library also makes an effort to get out into the community, sponsoring live music at Palmyra’s weekly farmers market and participating in various events throughout the village year round.

If you’re more of home-body, the library offers a wide array of online materials and database access through their website at palmyracommunitylibrary.org/.

In Newark, Director Tanya Taylor notes that while the library has been a fixture of the community since it first opened in the early 1900’s, people are still finding new reasons to visit.

Tanya says today’s libraries are "A hub for technology," noting that people often buy the latest new devices and are left wondering how to actually use them.

“Technology is definitely where we can help a lot of people.”

Newark is one of the largest provider of internet access for seniors in the area, in addition to offering computers, printing, faxing and adaptive reading devices for patrons of all ages.

Tanya says programing is one of the biggest pieces for libraries. What a few decades ago may have just been a weekly story time has transformed into everything from book clubs to cooking classes and everything in between.

“We’re trying to meet the needs of the community and listen to what they’re asking for,” something Tanya notes she and the board are evaluating regularly.

Newark Public Library Board President Joey Nicosia has been a longtime advocate for the organization, and hopes the community takes full advantage of everything they have to offer.

“The Newark Public Library is a diamond in this community that people fail to take advantage of.  The Children’s programs, the classes, e-mail & internet access in the library.  We have books, it’s a no brainer, but we offer so much that people are either unaware of or don’t realize what we offer.”

Maybe you’re looking for a movie or TV series not currently available on  any of your streaming services. Newark Library has a sprawling collection of DVDs you can take home and binge watch.

History buff? Take a stroll over to the Hoffman Clock Museum which is located on the main floor where you’ll find 400 clocks, watches and tools that were collected and donated by local retail jeweler and watchmaker Augustus L. Hoffman.

Downstairs you’ll find The Children’s Room, a wing dedicated to things like easy readers, picture books,  traditional fiction and non-fiction, graphic novels and educational board games for ages 0-11.

Across the hall is The Teen Room, home to young adult fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, manga, and plenty of space for youth 11 to 17 to do homework or just hang out.

Throughout the building you’ll also find four community rooms and meeting spaces available to local groups and organizations in the community.

Once again, the library offers even more services through their website including digital libraries, language learning resources and access to ebooks and audio books through the Libby app.

You can find out more about the library and view their upcoming events by visiting newarklibrary.org/.

Over in Williamson, you can try out one of the libraries crafting classes or their monthly Color Me Calm drawing  program. Youth age 12-18 can join in on one of their weekly board game nights. Monday nights kids 5 and up can play video games on the library’s big screen TV and Nintendo Switch console.

Palmyra, Newark and Williamson  are just three of the 13 OWWL member libraries spread across Wayne County and 42 that can be found around our region.

Whether you’re young or old, new to the community or a seasoned resident, your town has a library with services, and resources you’re likely not taking full advantage of, so why not pay them a visit and see what’s new?

Find your local library by visiting owwl.org.