For many residents of the Lehigh Valley, the Southern Lehigh Public Library has become the centerpiece of a well rounded community of curious learners.

Aside from allowing visitors to check out books, the library also offers a wide selection of classes, such as cycling and yoga; clubs, such as storytime for toddlers, chess for all ages, and “Tail Wagging Readers” that reads to service dogs; and volunteer opportunities set forth by the organization, Friends of the Southern Lehigh Public Library. Community members can get involved by visiting www.solehipl.org or going to the library and speaking with a librarian.

“Not only do libraries provide resources, but they host community events, and sometimes they have guest authors come and speak,” community member Faith Fiegel said. “They provide enrichment and bring a community together. I think [libraries] are absolutely essential to a healthy community.”

The Southern Lehigh Public Library hosts events like art shows, book club meetings, and tax assistance nights. They also offer internet resources such as e-books, databases, and language learning tools on the library website for anyone with a library card. For those who like e-readers, the library loans Nooks and Kindles with access to over 500 titles.

The library also serves as a meeting place for community organizations. “Music Together” meets three times a week. An adult book discussion group meets monthly. For those interested in fashion, there is also a “Dessert and Design” night. The Girl Scouts of America work with the library to run a program that helps girl scouts earn the Silver Award: a highly impressive honor to note on college applications.

“The Silver Award is the second highest award a girl scout can earn,” junior McKenzie Hagenbuch, a girl scout who earned her Silver award through this program, said.

A library with well-integrated programs and resources can serve as a center of culture and life dedicated to community members. For many residents of the Lehigh Valley, the Southern Lehigh Public Library is the final cherry on top of an involved community.