Submitted by Vickie Hinkle, branch librarian
Washington community is very fortunate to have two libraries. Almost everyone is familiar with the main library recently built as a part of Five Points. There is also a branch library on the other side of town. In continuous operation since 1975, the Sunnyland Branch Library has been a mainstay of the Sunnyland Plaza. Both libraries serve the entire Washington Township.
Sunnyland Branch Library has many items and services to offer and most are free. Of course there are books, but there are also DVDs, music CDs, magazines and audio books available for checkout.
A copier and a fax machine are located there for customer convenience and may be used for a nominal charge.
With high-speed Internet available, more than 300 people come to the Sunnyland Branch Library every month just to use the computers. Patrons simply need a library card and a signed Internet agreement to use a computer. Many patrons come daily to use this service; they check their e-mails, finish homework assignments, look for employment or send out résumés. Computer users can print in either black or color, and a scanner is also available. Wi-Fi will be coming soon.
Children love to visit the branch library. Contained in one large room, the areas are divided only by bookshelves. Children can browse the shelves in the children’s and juvenile sections. There are board books, toys, puzzles and a Thomas the Tank Engine table to keep the young ones busy while their parents look for their selections. Teens can also checkout the young adult section with its graphic novels and current popular titles.
The Branch Library is not limited by its smaller size. It has plenty of bestsellers to keep any reader satisfied, and if a book isn’t available on our shelves, the library can get it within a short time from any library throughout Central Illinois. New materials are constantly being processed for checkout. If you have recommendations for books or magazine titles to add to the collection, please let the branch librarians know.
Sunnyland Branch doesn’t have that stiff “This is a library; no talking” environment. Upon entering, everyone is acknowledged with a personal greeting. Many patrons spend additional time just conversing and remark that they enjoy the informal, friendly surroundings.
Come visit Washington’s other library. Stop in to buy postage stamps, pick up a tax form, read the newspaper, purchase a used paperback, register to vote or just to say “hi.” Sunnyland Branch Library is truly your pathway to discovery, enjoyment and knowledge.
