The Bethel Library’s shelves hold more than just books! Chaia Alford/Bethel Citizen

BETHEL — While a public library may be best known for the distribution of books and ready availability of knowledge, books are not the only thing offered at the Bethel Library by far.

The library is always looking for new ways to reach out to the community, and has been doing so via an increase in programs.

“Library is really about community,” said Kelcey Arciga, the library’s director. “There are not many places left you can go for free and just exist and be there.”

This sense of community has been shown in events such as storytime, happening each Wednesday at 10 a.m. This event has drawn both local and visiting families to come to the local library to participate. The library also hosts a morning and afternoon book club that meets once a month.

Another regular project that has been running, is the library’s Take and Make program. The library provides instructions and materials needed to create some form of small craft, for families to take home and do at their leisure. Arciga said it’s so that people “aren’t constrained by a specific time.”

In a similar vein, the library has many take-home kits, including a gardening kit and a memory kit to assist families who may be struggling with dementia.

“We’re really here to serve the community,” she said. The library has also switched its book and yarn sales from a suggested donation amount to “pay what you can”, allowing more people access to affordable books and yarn for their home projects.

An upcoming event includes a partnership with the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum on the third Thursday of every month, from October to March, for local children. These will include STEAM activities – science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

It will also be handing out candy and books as part of Halloween.