Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
When you think of your library card, chances are that you imagine it by its most common function as the small card that you hand to the librarian when you check out your books. However, your Jefferson County R.J. Bailar Public Library (JCPL) card unlocks resources and services far beyond the basics — and all for free.
All Jefferson County residents are eligible for a free JPCL library card, and with it, access to countless resources. However, eligibility also extends beyond local residency — patrons with an address in Wakulla or Franklin County, or residents of Tallahassee or Greenville who work in Jefferson County, can also get a JCPL card for free!
Of course, library cards enable you to check out physical materials, such as books, DVDs and magazines. They also allow patrons to access digital materials like e-books, digital magazines and audiobooks. Additionally, if the library doesn't have the material you need, they can request it through Florida's inter-library loan system at no cost to you. Beyond borrowing free materials, there's much more to be found in the library.
You can use your JCPL card to access a variety of free digital resources. Read articles on research topics through the Florida Electronic Library, learn to use a computer through digitallearn.org, browse e-books and magazines through Libby, stream movies on Kanopy, take online language lessons with Mango Languages, learn how to do auto repair through Chilton Library, and access the Librarian Statewide Reference Service through askalibrarian.org.
Use the free Wi-Fi and the public computers to work, do homework, play games or browse the internet. Even if the library is closed, there are dedicated spots in the parking lot where you will be in range for anytime Wi-Fi access. If you have something you need printed, copied or faxed, you can use JCPL's public wireless printer. The first 10 pages of documents are free, and beyond that, copying and printing costs only 10 cents per page for black ink, or 25 cents for color pages.
Need something notarized? A notary is usually available at JCPL during regular business hours. Call 850-342-0205 to ensure they will be present when you're planning to visit.
If you're interested in local history, check out the volunteer-run Keystone Genealogical Library, which is housed inside JCPL and open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See historical photos and records of families, buildings and property.
Help keep food on your table with the Fresh & Free Fridge. Everything is, as in the name, free to take. If you'd like to donate, consider bringing surplus harvests from your garden or in-date extras from your pantry to share with the community. You can also fuel your green thumb at the community garden, and “check out” free seeds at the seed library to begin growing your own crops at home. Also, through a partnership with Farm Share and Second Harvest, JCPL receives a food delivery once a week, which often includes nonperishables, frozen meat and boxes of vegetables. During the library's regular operating hours, community members can come to the library anytime and pick out 5 non-perishable items, a full box of vegetables and one pack of frozen meat.
An entrepreneur business space with workstations, computers, poster printing capabilities and more to support local business owners is now available.
The library also recently got a book vending machine, intended to help inspire children's interest in literacy. When a child attends a library event or spends 30 minutes reading in the library, they will receive a token, which can then be exchanged for an age-appropriate book from the vending machine.
The library often hosts programs and events for patrons of all ages through their many community partners. This includes STEM activities, arts and crafts, interactive educational displays, teen events, health screenings, wellness events, movie showings, club meetings, children's storytimes and more.
Plus, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is available to Jefferson County's littlest residents through JCPL. After the application form is processed, the enrolled child will receive a free book in the mail every month until they turn 5 years old. Any child within the age range, regardless of income or any other related factors, is eligible for this program. Interested residents can visit the library in-person to fill out and turn in a form.
Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Social Services Day. Through community partners, the Department of Children and Families and CareerSource North Florida are available to assist with benefits applications, job placements and more. Additional services may be available, depending on the day.
Your free library card unlocks much more than the ability to simply check out books. Digital resources, regular and special programming, health events, social services, physical materials, internet access and much more is available through JPCL.
JPCL is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open for curbside service only on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. JCPL is located at 375 S. Water St. in Monticello. For more information, visit jcpl.wildernesscoast.org.