Have you eagerly been awaiting the reopening of the Greer branch of the Greenville Library system? We’ve got great news! Your wait is over. This Sunday, November 10th Greer will have it’s library back. We sent Melanie to grab a sneak peak and get all the info about this exciting day for library patrons in the Upstate.
A New Library for a Growing Greer
Greer is growing by leaps and bounds.
It has changed immensely in the past decade. It would only make sense that the community would need updated resources as it expanded. Still, it came as a great shock in the summer of 2018 when my kids and I pulled up to a sign that indicated the library would be closed until the fall of 2019 for remodeling. That day seems like forever ago, and the blow was softened around the same time with a whole new library branch to love in the Five Forks area. Still, everyone here at Kidding Around was super excited when we got word this week that the wait was over!
My first impression upon entering the newly renovated library was, “WOW”. The once dark and closed space is now bright and airy. The library gained an extra 5,500 square feet and the youth services portion of the library gained a whole new look from that addition.
The Children’s Area
Large picture windows with window seats, child size tables, computer stations, and play tables make this area a great place for young children to foster a love of libraries.
Parent’s will love the new layout, too! The newly renovated space includes a children’s area that is not only double the size of what existed previously, it’s also somewhat separated from the rest of the library on the backside of the building. As an anxious parent, I love that this was done. I’m always worried that anything louder than a whisper is distracting to other patrons, and the new layout helps. So many things were taken into consideration to help parents when the re-design was being planned. The addition of a family restroom in the children’s area helps parents with multiple kids keep an eye on everyone.
My favorite new feature and one I’m so excited for parents to use, is the new nursing suite. The room is located in the children’s area, and has a comfortable love-seat, outlets, and stuff to keep baby happy.
Drive Through Book Return
A drive though drop off, will also be another update that patrons can utilize. I know, needing to get out of the car usually signals my children to fall fast asleep, so I love this! If you decide to return your books to the inside drop off, let the kids feed the books into the new automated return. The picture window was lowered especially for kids, so they could get a behind the scenes peak at the library.
New Teen Area
Directly next to the children’s section is the Teen’s area. This is a new addition for the Greer branch and something the library system is very excited to provide its patrons. Teens will have a dedicated space to do what teens do. It’s been longer than I care to admit, so I’ll just guess that they’ll use the space for reading, gaming and listening to music.
A Quiet Space
In addition to small meeting space rooms that can be reserved by patrons, the addition of a quiet room was something patrons asked for. The large room has tables, comfortable seating, a fireplace and will provide patrons with a place to read provided local newspapers, magazines or whatever they choose. Think of it as a coffee-free coffeehouse space.
Meeting Places, Parking and More
The expansion included additional square footage for the meeting room. If you’ve ever attended one of the super popular events at the Greer Library, you know this expansion is a welcome change. Another change is additional parking spaces, which are another welcome change for patrons.
Events
For the first few months, the event schedule will be limited at this branch.
Some of the events that will be offered immediately are:
- Toddler Tales – story time for toddlers 19 months and up. Mondays 10-10:30
- Story Time – stories, music and movement for preschool age children. Tuesdays 10-10:30
- There are several teen events, adult events and crafting classes scheduled for November and December.
- For a full and updated schedule of events, please visit the Greenville Library System event page.
All This and More For Free
Along with all of the new features comes all of the free things you know and love the library for, including four different streaming services.
- Freegal music – allows you to download 5 free songs a week when you create an account with your library card.
- Hoopla – allows you to stream and download music, movies and audio books when you create an account with your library card.
- Overdrive – allows you to enjoy ebooks for free with your library card.
- RB digital – allows you to lkisten to audiobooks and download magazines with your library card.
- You don’t even have to leave your house to reap the benefits of a library card, although we do encourage you to get out to see the new, beautiful library.
Greer’s Library Hours
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 10th at 3pm.
The Library will be open to the public, operating on a normal schedule from that point on.
Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9 am-6 pm
Jean M Smith Branch Library
505 Pennsylvania Ave
Greer SC 29650
864.877.8722