With information and entertainment a click away, you might think brick and mortar libraries have fallen victim to the digital age. If local and national statistics are any indication, youd be wrong.

A recently-released national Gallup poll shows more people visited a library in 2019 than a movie theater. Audiobooks and other digital materials were also checked out at a quick pace at the nations libraries last year.

None of this shocks Dearborn Heights City Libraries Director Michael McCaffery as we head into Februarys designation of National Library Lovers Month.

"Our activity and programming have continued to get a huge response from the public, McCaffery said. During a number of programs (at Caroline Kennedy Library), we have had to utilize overflow parking lots at City Hall. Some nights, all of our tables, lounge chairs and study rooms have been filled."

For many years, Dearborn Heights and Dearborn have enjoyed a reciprocal agreement which allows library card holders in both cities to enjoy the same privileges. With the continued renovations at Henry Ford Centennial Library, McCaffery said visits to Dearborn Heights libraries have been at a high level as the work continues.

Special programming this month includes an adults-only program that covers the world of wine from A to Z. Sommelier Jim Paron will explain the winemaking process, varieties of grapes, and offer wine samples. Also, in early February, Dearborn Heights patrons will have access to Hoopla, a multimedia streaming service that allows up to five print or digital items to be checked out.

Other events include a Valentines Day-themed bingo event, and presentations about climate change, estate planning, the Kentucky Derby, and railroading in Wayne County.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the libraries can visit http://www.dhcl.michlibrary.org, or connect with them on their Facebook and Twitter social media accounts.

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Dearborn Heights libraries thrive in digital world | News - Dearborn Press and Guide