Guests use an interactive touch game table, which was able to be purchased through fundraising. According to RTL Director Jan St. Germain, the table will be delivered in time for the summer reading program that begins in June. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Holman)

PALMER — A small rural library is offering more than just books to its residents.

Richmond Township Library in Palmer provides residents with many resources including books, magazines, internet and Wi-Fi. RTL belongs to the Great Lakes Digital Library which partners with seven other libraries to provide over 200,000 downloadable books, audiobooks, videos and magazines to Richmond Township residents. The content can be downloaded via smartphone, tablet, iPad, laptops or computers.

RTL Director Jan St. Germain said in an email that libraries have changed over the years from a place to just check out books to a social hub. Libraries now offer a place to work and play on computers or even listen to a free concert.

“Libraries have become a vital part of communities now,” St. Germain said. “Libraries are an extension of our community.”

She said she was once asked why RTL allows children to come and play on the computers.

“Now they are just playing games on the computer but in months and years to come they will be visiting to do research for a school project, need to type a resume or ask for a certain book or author they like,” St. Germain said. “They will be comfortable asking me for help because they got to know me when they were just playing a game on the computer.”

St. Germain has been the director of RTL for over 15 years. Before becoming director she was a reading readiness teacher until she saw an advertisement for the director position.

“I have always loved libraries and reading books,” St. Germain said.

St. Germain said two years ago was when she found out how important RTL is to Palmer.

“When the Empire Mine closed, we lost a lot of revenue for the township, so two years ago the library went for a library milage to fund the library and it was passed,” St. Germain said. “I was so happy.”

Wi-Fi capability in Palmer is a hit or a miss for residents according to St. Germain. She said residents are able to use the Wi-Fi outside of the library at any point, day or night.

“We (also) provide free over-the-counter COVID tests for residents to take home,” St. Germain said. “The state of Michigan provides the tests and we are a distribution point.”

For the last few years, St. Germain said the township has been fundraising for an interactive play table. This is a self-contained table that allows people of all ages a multi-touch gaming experience.

“We finally reached our goal. We had bake sales, raffles and many people donating money to make this purchase a reality,” St. Germain said. “It should arrive at our library during the summer.”

During the summer, RTL hosts a reading program. St. Germain said this year’s theme is “All Together Now” and will include other activities including making slime, playing bingo and other games and giving away books.

This year’s reading program will kick off on June 19 and conclude on July 27. Summer reading sign-up will be from June 5 to June 15.

To celebrate National Library Week, RTL hosted a family story hour with treats, family activities and read a few books to the youth.

For more information on RTL, visit its website online at richmond.ploud.net.