People often ask me what’s new at the Central Virginia Regional Library system. I usually say we get new books and DVDs all the time and then maybe mention a new program for kids. I figure they want me to keep it short and sweet. Right now, if you ask me what’s new, I suggest you have a seat and get comfortable because there’s a whole lot that’s new at the library.

The biggest news is that both branch libraries, Farmville and Buckingham, have expanded their hours. The Farmville Branch is now open at 9 a.m., an hour earlier, Monday through Saturday; Sunday hours are still 1- 5 p.m. The Buckingham Branch has expanded their hours in the other direction – they’re staying open later. Monday through Thursday the Buckingham Branch is now open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Weekend hours in Buckingham are unchanged, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

In other news, the Farmville Branch has a new manager. Morgan Hayes just moved to town from Tazewell where she was an adult services librarian. She’s wanted to manage a library since she can remember and arrived here prepared and passionate about what a library needs to offer. While you’re in the Farmville Branch to say hi to Morgan, take a moment to look at the new 22 foot-high mural. Believe me, you can’t miss it.

Hoopla! Don’t laugh. Hoopla is a new service that just added a half million titles for you to check out for free with your library card. With hoopla, there are never any overdue fees and every title is available 24 hours a day. Hoopla has eBooks, movies and TV shows, music, audio books, comic books and graphic novels for all ages. You can easily download anything on hoopla to your phone, tablet or computer and read, watch or listen to what you want, whenever you want it. How great is that?

Thousands of other libraries around the country already know that their patrons think it’s pretty great. If you just want to read some books this summer, why not get some loot for your effort. Our new summer reading challenge is for kids, teens and adults. If you’re reading you’re already a winner, but at the library you could win some seriously cool prizes. Adults can win a Kindle Fire and a $25 Amazon gift card at each of our two libraries. Kids and teens can win super prizes too. Heck, we’ll give you a gift just for participating.

Finally, how about a new library? I think we would all agree how awesome that is. Buckingham County is getting a wonderful new library. We’re just starting the project, so be a little patient but it’s going to happen. And that’s what’s new at the library.

RICK EWING is the Director of Central Virginia Regional Library. He can be reached at rewing@cvrl.net.