When someone is in need of research materials, reference for a school paper, or just a good book to read, they go to their local public library. But what many don’t realize is that their libraries offer so much more than just books.

Our two local libraries: The Peninsula Public Library, located at 280 Central Ave. in Lawrence, and the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, located at 1125 Broadway in Hewlett, provide so many fun and exciting events, including hosting local meetings, offering readings and slide show lectures, and even helping with income tax preparation. For little or no cost, we are all able to go to these two wonderful institutions and get to know so much about our favorite topics, and our community as a whole.

For example, did you know that on Tues., Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Peninsula Public Library is hosting a screening of "Bride and Prejudice?" Or that every Friday, from Feb. 3 until Apr. 7, they are offering free income tax services for seniors during the hours of 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.? The library will have trained volunteers under the supervision of the IRS there to help you and answer any of your tax questions. Appointments are required, call (516) 239-3262 to schedule a time.

As for the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, were you aware that on Sun., Feb 5 at 2:30 p.m., they will present, as part of its "New Talent/New Ideas" series, the East Bay Chamber Players? Or the fact that the library hosts the meetings for the Woodmere Merchants Association who meet there the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.? And what about the "Artist’s Network of Great Neck" that will display artwork in the library from artists all across Nassau County, including the Five Towns now through April 26?

I can remember as a child going to my local libraries only to complete my school papers, never even knowing about the other activities that they offered. Now that I am an adult and I am here at the Herald, I get many notices from both libraries informing me of what they have going on, and I am so amazed by all that they offer, that I wanted to make all of you aware as well. Besides letting you know in my column, I also make sure that our Community Calendar, which this week, is located on pages 32 and 33, always contains listings of what events and activities our libraries have coming up, so I encourage you to look for that each and every week.

Remember, libraries, while known for having thousands of books for your literary pleasure, also has so much more to offer, and if you ever choose to attend one of their great events, I hope to see you there.