What can I do at Flora Public Library?
Books, Audio-Visual and Periodicals
The library has an extensive collection of adult and children’s books covering many subjects and genres. Large print books are offered for those with visual challenges. Our juvenile collections cover a range of infant to high school reading levels. We have over 7,000 DVD titles and over 1,000 audiobooks and music on CD and MP3. The library also has subscriptions to several magazine and periodicals. A library card is required to take these items out of the library.
A special section of adult paperback fiction, juvenile books, and jigsaw puzzles are offered to anyone, regardless of whether or not you have a library card.
Computers and Laptops
The library has several internet-enabled desktop computers available for public use. Use of these computers is free and a library card is not required to use our computers. Printouts may be made for a per-page fee of $0.20 for black and white or $0.50 for color.
On top of the desktops available for use in the library, in late 2021 we added eight new Lenovo Think-Pad laptops through a Live and Learn-Expanding Digital Inclusion grant. With our new program called Tech Take-Out, the Library’s adult cardholders will have access to the ThinkPad laptops in sturdy cases for home, work, or school use to assist patrons in recovering from the pandemic.
These devices will allow our patrons to file job applications, social security or unemployment forms, and other online documents, attend virtual meetings, visit with loved ones, transact business remotely, and assist adult/mature students with remote learning, just to name a few.
In addition to the laptops, the grant also allowed us to purchase 11 Franklin T9 T-mobile hotspots. These hotspots can be checked out by adult cardholders.
Printing, Copying, and Faxing
Flora Public Library offers the following special services.
- Digital Proscan 3000 Microfilm and Microfiche Reader/Printer—Local Newspapers, census records, and genealogy files are available. Copies can be made for $0.20 a page for black and white or $0.50 per page for color. Files can also be saved on a flash drive or emailed.
- Print/Copy—Fees are $0.20 per black-and-white page and $0.50 per color page. Printing from a mobile device is also possible. Simply e-mail your document to print@florapubliclibrary.org and we will print them out for you. Please include specific instructions for printing (color, size, etc.).
- Fax Machine—Fees are $1.00 per page to send or receive a fax. Fax Number: (618) 403-5007. Please have your name and telephone number included on documents faxed to the library.
- Scan photos or documents to a flash drive, email, or to your Cloud account. Printouts are available for $0.20 (black and white) or $0.50 (color) per page.
Genealogy/Local History
The library has a comprehensive collection of genealogy and local history reference materials. Clay County genealogical material in print form includes census, birth, death, marriage, and probate records.
The library has subscriptions to Ancestry. com and Newspapers.com. These databases are for in-house use and the staff will sign in for you.
Local newspapers are available on microfilm back to the early 1900s. The Proscan 3000 digital microfilm reader makes remarkable copies and digital files can be saved. Flora’s newspapers have been digitized from late 1800s through December 1926 and can be accessed on the Illinois Digital Archives (IDA). Below is a complete list of the library’s digitized newspapers:
| Name of Newspaper | Dates |
|---|---|
| Southern Illinois Journal | July 27, 1883 |
| Weekly Journal | Apr 22, 29, 1887; Apr 13, 1888′ Mar 1, Apr 12, 1889; Apr. 4, 1890; Aug. 3, 1917 |
| Southern Illinois Journal (weekly) | Feb. 22, 1907-Dec. 4., 1908 |
| Southern Illinois Record (weekly) | Oct. 3, 1912-Oct 16, 1919 |
| Flora Record (weekly) | Oct. 23, 1919-Dec. 30, 1920 |
| Flora Journal-Record (weekly) | Jan 6, 1921-Dec. 31, 1926 |
Many locally compiled and printed books feature photos and unique stories from the county’s early days. A variety of tables, chairs and lounge areas are available to make your research a comfortable experience.
Free Wi-Fi
Bring your personal laptop or other electronic device and use the library’s free Wi-Fi! In addition to access inside the building, Wi-Fi may be accessed anywhere in Library Park. A recent digital access enhancement grant allowed the library to update points of access and install additional units. It is available 24/7.
Optelec Magnification Device
The library has an Optelec device that magnifies text and graphics for viewing.
