When temperatures start to drop, many Hancock County residents look for activities to do indoors. Getting out of the house can really boost mental wellness during the colder and darker months of winter. One place that can provide you with a number of indoor activities, events and materials is our Hancock County Public Library. You might just think about checking out books when you go to the library, but you can also find a variety of educational tools, media entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. Learn more about why Healthy365 loves our local libraries!

Online resources and library technology

Our Central Hancock County Public Library is located in Greenfield at 900 W McKenzie Road. There is also an additional location called the Sugar Creek Branch in New Palestine at 5731 West US 52. Obviously you can check out books, movies, music, and magazines at the library, but there are many other offerings as well. If you are in need of technology to use at the library, Hancock County has you covered. Public computers are available for your use anytime, as well as free Wi-Fi if you bring your own device. You can check out a laptop for two hours per day, or a kid-friendly iPad for one hour. A fax machine and copy machine are also available for public use with a low fee required for printing/sending. Both library locations also offer iPad tablets available for 14-day checkout. 

Our branches also offer online resources that can be accessed with your library card outside of their physical locations. OverDrive is an online resource to rent eBooks and audiobooks for free. Hoopla Video offers free music, movies and animated picture books available on your smart device or streaming to your TV, and the Kanopy app allows you to stream free films as well. Plus, you can access free learning tools for children and adults alike, such as software training, language learning and live tutors. Doing research for a school paper, family tree project or business investment? Your library card can also gain you access to subscription databases for information you can’t always find with a search engine, such as genealogy resources, investment research, legal forms, newspaper archives and more.

Library events and activities

Our local public libraries offer a HUGE range of activities for children, adults and families that appeal to a number of interests. Visit the library for specifically-aged story times for babies, toddlers, preschool and families or pick up a take & make craft for children or teens to complete at home. Craft classes for kids and teens are also held in the library, and December offerings include a DIY snowman lantern, ornaments and gift boxes made with origami, Shrinky Dink ornaments and cookie decorating. Monthly performing arts classes are also hosted specifically for tween and teen homeschool students, with recent classes focusing on improv and music. 

Adults have lots of events to enjoy at the library too, including brown bag book discussions at lunchtime, with a new book chosen to discuss each month. Regular speakers are booked to educate our community about new books and important cultural topics, including dramatic performances and local author showcases. December also brings movie nights for adults and families, with showings of Hallmark Classic “Christmas with Holly” and the original “Grinch” movie (including popcorn and holiday treats)! Seasonal events and activities are a special favorite at the library, with an upcoming live reindeer meet ‘n’ greet and photo opportunity from Silly Safaris’ Reindeer Reserve.

Bookmobile home delivery

Are you in a situation where you are unable to visit the library, such as high-risk for COVID-19, living with a disability or lacking transportation? Hancock County Public Library is now offering contactless Bookmobile delivery service. Simply place a hold on the items you wish to borrow, and choose Bookmobile as your pickup location. If you are unable to place a hold online, you can also call the library directly at (317) 462-5141, Ext. 229 to request specific titles or discuss your reading interests so staff can choose a selection for you. When your materials are ready, you will be called to schedule delivery on a Tuesday or Thursday. 

If you are looking for more connections to wellness or financial assistance in Hancock County, Healthy365 can help! Our Support Navigators are focused on the whole health and wellness of individuals who live, work, learn, play and pray in Hancock County. Contact us today to learn more about the resources we provide.