This month's column is all about news you can use. There are new services and new materials at the Weedsport Free Library. Best of all, they're free! Read about what's new and keep this list handy:

1. A new Dementia and Alzheimer's Support Group has started. Join other caregivers at a monthly support group to meet and share ideas. They meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. If this illness touches your life in some way, you will benefit from this group. It is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Disease Community Service Program and the Office for the Aging.

2. There are new books on CD and DVDs on the shelf. Come browse and check out the new titles.

3. Tax forms - we have a supply of both federal and state forms and instructions. (If there's a form we don't have, we can download it from the Internet at a printing cost of 15 cents per page).

4. We're wireless! Thanks to the Friends of the Library, we can offer wireless access to patrons who wish to connect a laptop computer to the Internet. Ask for a copy of our wireless policy at the circulation desk.

5. Are you interested in knitting? Knitters are gathering from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month to knit and share ideas. Beginners and crocheters are welcome. No registration necessary.

6. The Jr. Friends of the Library will hold a children's book sale during regular library hours Saturday, Feb. 16 through Saturday, Feb. 23. Donations of children#'s books, videos, DVDs and audiotapes are welcome. Drop off any time we're open.

7. “Food For Fines” will run the whole month of February. Bring in a canned good for each overdue item or fine on your record. Fines will be forgiven and food items will be donated to the Brutus-Sennett Food Pantry. No overdue items? Good for you. You are still welcome to bring canned goods for the cause.

8. Story hour continues at the library. Preschoolers ages 3 and older come on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Toddlers (babies to age 3) come on Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Call the library at 834-6222 to sign-up.

Come spend a special time together at the library.

9. We have the bestsellers. Is there a best-selling book you'd like to read? We purchase most books on the New York Times Best Seller List.

If there is a hold list we can add your name and call you when it's your turn.

10. Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? A new service to library cardholders is the ability to download digital audiobooks from your home computer.

You can listen to unabridged titles on your computer or transfer them to your MP3 player. In some cases you can burn titles to a CD. Go to our online card catalog (www.flls.org/weedsport, click on PowerPac and then click on the tab “Digital Downloads.”

We are excited about this new service for Finger Lakes Library System cardholders. Do you need a library card? Visit one of the nine public libraries in Cayuga County and get one. It's free.

Remember, no place so near takes you so far!

Cheryl Austin is a librarian in Weedsport.