VALENTINE, Neb. -- Even in today’s digital age, public libraries are alive and well. More than half of all people ages 13 to 40 visited physical libraries within the past year, according to a 2023 report by the American Library Association. Libraries also have more registered borrowers than ever before.

With this week being National Library Week, we're introducing you to today’s modern library where they’re using more than just books to empower a new generation of readers.

Crazy games involving dice might not be what you envision when you hear the word, “library,” but today’s public libraries have opened a new chapter, and it’s full of kids programming.

“Sometimes I have friends here, so I can talk to them,” Charlotte Coleman said.

Fourth Grader Charlotte Coleman visits the Valentine Public Library at least once a week to take part in activities, but along the way she also picks up her favorite book series.

“I love the Harry Potter book section,” Coleman said. "I’ve read six and I’m working on the seventh right now."

That’s exactly what library director Carrie Graham is hoping for when she plans activities and unique items to rent like STEM kits.

“Every day our numbers get bigger and bigger,” Graham said.

In addition to in-person programming, the library is also using digital things, like apps, to draw more people into the love of reading.

“One of the big things too is access to free internet,” Graham said. "That’s really important to a lot of people. We’re starting to see a lot more workers that work remotely, and they come in to use our Wi-Fi."

You can also play chess, computer games, or just hang out with friends.

“We’re building a community,” Graham said.

In addition to all of the non-traditional library items, Graham also believes that books are simply back in style.

“There’s nothing more fun that talking books with other people,” Graham said.

Since the pandemic in 2020, U.S. print books sales have increased by almost 9%. Here in Valentine, a town of less than 2,600 people, the library saw almost 200 new users last year.

“It’s really fun to help someone who thought they were not a reader, and get them hooked on something,” Graham said. "I always say people who say they don’t like to read haven’t found the right book to read yet."

But thanks in part to these activities, these kids are developing a love for reading early on in their “book of life.”

“I like the books that I can read because I really love reading books,” Rietta Delaney said.

“Yeah, I like to read,” Coleman said.

A love that’s been around for centuries.