Grayson/Olive Hill — Even those who opposed the idea of a public library in Carter County appreciate what they find when they visit the facilities in Grayson and Olive Hill, according to Jussie Minor, library director.

“The first word they say when they come in is ‘Wow!’ or ‘I can’t believe this even exists in Carter County,’” Minor said, explaining many who opposed the plan to establish libraries in the county have appreciated the resources provided at each, including free access to computers and a selection of recently released DVD movies and audio books.

The Grayson library was officially opened at 1446 N. Ky. 1 and 7 in late September and has since issued 738 library cards, Minor said, adding the library at 115 Mills St. in Olive Hill has issued 895 cards to patrons in recent months.

Minor said county residents have been highly impressed with resources including printing, copying, faxing and Internet access as well as an extensive collection of new releases and bestsellers such as works from authors including Dan Brown, Stephanie Meyer, Dean Koontz, Sandra Brown and Beverly Lewis.

Parents and young readers alike have expressed their appreciation for the children’s room at the Grayson library, adorned with a mural by Jill York and other local artists. The youth space will also provide an environment for many programs geared toward young readers, including a “lap sit” for parents and caregivers to teach little ones the value of reading, rhymes and music; afterschool programs allowing students to read, do homework and receive resource assistance from library staff; and the upcoming “Flat Stanley” pen-pal program in conjunction with an undetermined neighboring county. A “New Moon” release party, expected to attract younger readers, has been scheduled for Nov. 19, Minor said.

The county’s young people will be also served by a teen council that will meet once or twice a month to evaluate, discuss and volunteer for library-related missions, Minor said. Parents will also be well served by an upcoming “Room To Grow” program allowing an opportunity for local residents to meet with and ask questions of a public health nurse.

Holiday programs at Carter County’s libraries will include observation of “Forget Me Not Day,” as well as a “Spooktacular Halloween” from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, complete with a costume parade, scary storytelling, games and activities. The library staff also hopes to help promote Adoption Awareness Month, Child Safety Protection Month and Aviation History Month, with an emphasis on the role of Carter County residents.

Minor said tremendous appreciation for the success of the libraries in Olive Hill and Grayson goes to other Kentucky library systems that provided everything from books to shelves, computers and technical support.

“A large percentage of our furnishings, and 20 of our computers, are from Kenton County,” Minor said, adding Boyd and Greenup County libraries provided crucial operational items such as desks and carts as well as many books. “All of the surrounding counties have been instrumental in getting us started.”

Carter County residents are encouraged to attend library board meetings alternately in Grayson and Olive Hill at 5:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month.

For more information about library services in Grayson, call (606) 475-1528. To reach the Olive Hill library, call (606) 286-8070.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.