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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

Throughout the pandemic, the Davie County Public Library continued to provide services.

Some were online, but it went as far as delivering books to patrons in the parking lot, sort of zero-contact drive-thru style.

Now that the library is back open to the public – Director Derrick Wold and his staff continue to look at ways to improve and expand services.

One of the newest services is a remote book locker at the Davidson-Davie Community College campus in Bermuda Run.

“It is a way for members of that community to have library access,” Wold said. Patrons can scan a card to gain access to the locker, which would have pre-ordered books or other library materials inside to check out. “We’ve been trying to provide a service to folks in that area for quite a while.

“We’re trying to create more connectivity within the community, trying to meet them where they are.”

If it works, the lockers could be used in other parts of the county as well. The library has its main branch on North Main Street in Mocksville, and also operates a branch in the Cooleemee Shopping Center.

And while computer access is popular at both branches – especially at Cooleemee – the library is working on a program where laptops with WiFi hotspots could be checked out.

He envisions library-sponsored Little Free Libraries, more in-library programs, expanding the main branch, and to get into all areas of the county, with the eastern and northern areas on his radar.

Wold, who has been the library director since 2019, got into the library business later in life. He joined the Marines right out of high school, and spent 10 years with the corps. He then worked in construction, and while attending Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, took a part-time job at the Cabarrus County Public Library.

“It just fit,” he said. “I was able to help people. I’ve always been in a job where I was helping people in some way or form.”

Wold has been helpful in keeping community members up-to-date with their technology devices, a job that Jazmyne Baylor, adult services librarian, is taking the lead on now.

“We’re making sure we’re providing the best service we can for our community.”

There’s the history room, where just about everything available about the history of Davie County and its people can be found.

There’s the children’s department, with popular storytimes and other events for young people of all ages.

There’s even an adult services department.

“We have had really great support from the commuity, with a very professional staff willing to help. People here are really friendly and kind,” Wold said.

Among those professionals are Baylor, who at first thought she wanted to be on television. “But working in the library was one of my first jobs to make ends meet, and it just worked,” she said. “I love this community. They make me feel like a member.”

The library is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Sundays from 2-5 p.m. The Cooleemee branch is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, closed daily from noon-1 p.m. for lunch.

Learn more about events and other new services by visiting the library’s website at https://www.daviecountync.gov/896/Public-Library.