Catherine Vanstone spoke to the Kiwanis Club Thursday about all of the upcoming events the library will be hosting this fall and other resources offered that residents might not be aware of.

Vanstone began by talking about online resources, one of which is Mango Languages. The online resource offers a variety of unique languages to choose from such as pirate, Hawaiian and even Shakespeare for kids and adults to learn, but also can be used for traditional languages such as, French, Spanish and Italian.

Another online resource that is often needed is access to legal forms. Vanstone is able to point those seeking that information in the right direction, however she cannot give legal advice for the forms.

Vanstone additionally sees many people using online genealogy tools that the library makes available. There are two available for users: ancestry.com and Heritage Quest. Heritage Quest is also easily accessible at home, so those interested can begin their search at the library and log their family information previously gathered when they get to their home computer.

Other resources the library offers that are not online are State Park, state historic sights, and Atlanta Zoo passes.

Other passes include, Chehaw Park, the Go Fish Education Center, all the museums in Macon and the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Along with these fun passes and educational outlets, the library has added an activity this fall for young readers who may be struggling. They can read to a dog.

“These programs have shown that kids are more likely to read to a dog, because dogs are nonjudgmental,” Vanstone said.

The dogs will be therapy dogs, and the hope is that it will be a weekly occurrence. The first therapy dog will be a miniature schnauzer. Vanstone does expect this event to bring in multiple children, so there is an RSVP required, and the first reading will be August 22.

“This could be a great opportunity for any kid you know who’s just starting to read or may be struggling,” she said.

Vanstone also went over some of the clubs and gaming offered at the library such as the DIY Craft Club, Fortnite at the Library and Minecraft at the Library, along with other book clubs and chess club.

Vanstone invites everyone to join one of these clubs or check out an activity offered. Those interested can view their full calendar online and find something that fits their niche.

If something is not offered that residents think should be or would be an asset to others in the community, Vanstone loves to hear new ideas and make the library the place that welcomes all.