In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling’s beloved character Hermione Granger believes, “When in doubt, go to the library.” And she’s not wrong.
The depth and breadth of the ways Genesee District Library (GDL) can make your life easier may surprise you. Take, for example, the case of a charming young boy who came into the Genesee Valley Branch and asked to read the first Marvel comic because “he wanted to read them in order.” He had no idea how far back they went or even what the first Marvel comic was. The librarian was able to find Marvel Comics #1 (A30011202361), which was re-released in 2019 for the 80th anniversary of its original release.
An inquisitive 4-year-old recently asked a library assistant 17 questions about cat books. In a happy twist, her grandma later revealed they chose the library for their outing because the child was shy about speaking to people.
For the 50th anniversary of the Byron softball team’s first state title, a patron asked for help finding articles from that era for the celebration. Using the Access World News database to find the exact dates and pages of articles in The Flint Journal archives, the librarian then used the microfiche reader to print high-quality copies.
Sometimes, help is more hands-on. After purchasing a Ring camera for his house, a patron needed a mount to attach it to the siding. Google AI told him that the library could 3D print one. A librarian helped him sketch a design, created the object in Tinkercad, and printed it for him.
Booking airline flights and hotels was a challenge for one traveler who wanted to learn how to compare prices online. A librarian showed him how to use Google Flights and then walked him through the process of booking a hotel.
Recently, questions about AI have increased. For example, a patron with Word documents of papers she had written in school wanted AI to analyze them “from the point of view of a book reviewer.” A librarian showed her how to upload her documents to ChatGPT and explained the limitations of AI.
As part of the application process for a television show, a patron needed help uploading a video to a website. A librarian helped the patron transfer the video from their phone to their laptop and upload it online.
Wanting to dazzle her granddaughter by drawing Disney and Looney Tunes characters, a grandmother asked for books with similar drawing instructions. The William F. Delaney Headquarters Branch librarian found several she could use for practice.
Sometimes, something has a simple fix, but if you don’t know what that is, you’re stuck. A couple was stymied by their GoPro camera because it only played back at super speed. A librarian explained the time-lapse setting and showed them how to switch between that and regular video mode.
When a veteran passes away, a flag is given to the family and folded into the traditional triangle. Occasionally, the flag comes loose or is not folded tightly enough to fit into the display frame. Multiple people have visited the Clio Area Library for help. Using the long tables, they were able to ensure the flag did not touch the ground and fold it tightly so the stars lined up correctly.
Most people visit the county courthouse when they need a birth certificate. But in the case of adoption, that’s not always helpful. A librarian helped a patron file the request online through the State of Michigan and have it mailed to her.
A patron was thrilled to learn she could get a discounted zoo pass through the library using the Michigan Activity Pass. New destinations are always being added for patrons to access with their library card.
As an alternative to clipping coupons, a patron asked for help installing the Kroger app on her phone. Now she has digital coupons at the ready.
When in doubt, visit one of Genesee District Library’s 19 branches. We can help.
Of course, the area where librarians really shine is research. Searching for the history of his house, a patron got help from a librarian using the Genesee County GIS map. They found an aerial view of the house, theparcel number, tax description, and assessor information. The patron created an account and was able to view legal descriptions and previous owners.
Using Ancestry Library Edition and the help of a librarian, one patron successfully found two census records that included an ancestor he was searching for. After discovering that the last name had been spelled four different ways in past records, the patron walked away with marriage certificates, death dates, draft records, and a photograph of the ancestor taken at the time of military enlistment.
And though GDL has a wide range of databases and digital resources, sometimes old school works better. A woman requested help finding a person she had lost touch with and was shocked when the librarian pulled out the Polk Directory. It was faster than searching online and filtering through ads and sponsored websites. The patron was thrilled to quickly find the address and phone number using physical books.
And speaking of old school, the Clio Area Library has a typewriter available for use by the Luddites in the community.
Without question, printing and faxing are among the most widely used in-person library services, especially for last-minute emergencies. With 19 branches throughout Genesee County, there is almost always a branch open and available.
Throughout your life, your need for resources will change and evolve. Your local library has those resources.
