COLUMN: OCPL: Beyond the Stacks: What you might not know the library offers

If you haven't visited the Owen County Public Library (OCPL) in a while, you might be surprised by everything that's waiting for you beyond the bookshelves.

Whether you stop by in person, connect through our bookmobile or browse from the comfort of your home, the OCPL offers a wide variety of materials and services designed to meet the needs of today's readers, learners and explorers.

Beyond books, the OCPL provides magazines and newspapers for in-library reading, along with CDs, DVDs and video games available for checkout. For those needing internet access on the go, we also offer portable internet hotspots that can be checked out for free. These devices provide Wi-Fi access anywhere a cellular signal is available, making it easy to stay connected for work, school or leisure.

If you're planning a fun and educational outing for the family, the library has two Eiteljorg Museum passes available to check out. Each pass offers free admission for up to four adults and any accompanying children or grandchildren under the age of 17. In addition to admission, the pass includes free parking in the White River State Park garage (as available), a 15 percent discount in the museum store and a 10 percent discount at the café. The passes are first-come, first-served and can be checked out for seven days – an excellent way to enjoy a cultural experience in Indianapolis at no cost.

For those who enjoy technology or creative projects, the OCPL also offers 3D printing services that allow you to turn your ideas into tangible creations. In addition, your library card gives you free access to Creativebug, an online learning platform featuring thousands of video classes in crafting, sewing, baking and more.

Of course, books remain at the heart of everything we do. Whether you prefer traditional print, downloadable eBooks or streaming audiobooks, the OCPL offers thousands of titles accessible from your phone, tablet or computer. And if we don't have the specific title you're looking for, we may be able to borrow it for you through our Interlibrary Loan service, which is available for books and audiobooks.

At the OCPL, we're here to help you connect, learn, explore and grow. Visit us in person, explore our website at owenlib.org, give us a call at 812-829-3392 or stop by one of our bookmobile locations. You never know what you'll discover at the library.