My granddaughter Shealyn Smyth attended the West Tisbury story time recently. She loved the other children in the group, sat quietly while the story was read and appreciated the friendly atmosphere. At two, she’s already a book-happy person.

Today, libraries have to be much more than book repositories. As Ebba Hierta, director of the Chilmark Public Library, puts it, “When times get tough, libraries become more vital. Usership is at an all-time high. Where else do you get all this free stuff?” A recent NBC survey noted both urban and suburban libraries show a marked increase in usage during tough economic times.

There’s more than books within those more-frequented halls. Where else can you request a movie at no charge? Use high-speed Internet for free? Attend a class, a lecture or a movie without paying? Some libraries even entice their patrons with free coffee or chowder.

Libraries are noncompetitive. While each town has its own library, Vineyarders from any town are welcome in every library. As Danguole Budris, library director at Oak Bluffs, puts it, “There is a concerted effort to do our best to meet the needs of the community within the budget.”

And what are those needs?

An overview of Island libraries finds a plethora of enticing programs for all ages, from infants to retired and older adults. The specifics of place and date and time are found in the newspapers and at library Web sites.

This winter, Aquinnah offers a Saturday story and art program on birds for children five years and older. Story time for preschoolers is held on Monday in West Tisbury, on Tuesday in Vineyard Haven, Wednesday afternoon in Chilmark, and Friday afternoon in Oak Bluffs.

Teenagers are invited to the Vineyard Haven Library. Director Amy Ryan promotes the young adult program for ages 12 to 18. They meet Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. for a monthly author program, book discussion or watch movies based on books. Nintendo Wii is available. Oak Bluffs also has a teen program on Saturday afternoon.

Libraries screen movies for those who prefer not to drive far or pay for a ticket. Movies show in Aquinnah, in Chilmark (Wednesday at noon and Friday night with popcorn!) and a double-feature plays on Saturday in Oak Bluffs. “Avoid the expense of going to the movies,” says Ms. Hierta.

Lectures, author talks and classes are offered for adults who want to pursue learning beyond the classroom. A smattering of programs suggests the breadth of offerings:

In Aquinnah, library director Jennifer Christy says, “We’re continuing our artist-in-residence program with Lindsey Scott in mid January. She does a craft workshop and we think it will be a sewing or quilting or knitting program.” Ms. Scott is very popular, so the library suggests early enrollment.

In Chilmark, Ms. Hierta advertises Mastering the Art of French Sauces with Jean-Marc Dupon of Le Grenier restaurant. “More than 40 people showed up for the December class, so it should be even better in January,” says Ms. Hierta. Monthly author talks are held in Chilmark’s spacious conference room.

West Tisbury intends to spin several new services off a grant from the Equal Access lifelong learning program. Director Beth Kramer will add more large print and audio books, offer free computer training, and a class in transitions to life after 60. Ms. Kramer suspects there are “a lot of people out there who want to do something. This will open up discussion. It’s a transition group to get the conversation started.”

She expounds on an issue that each library is grappling with. “Times have changed, and we have to look at alternatives for retired people. It’s a consciousness-raising opportunity to review what things look like and come to terms with meeting the needs of people on the Island. It’s a big task to envision.”

Additionally, Ms. Kramer will host discussion groups on complementary medicine and acupuncture and establish a private site in the library to investigate medical issues, with a designated computer and a trained volunteer. If all goes well, she plans to expand the program with a satellite site at the hospital for medical inquiries.

Vineyard Haven promotes a number of non book-related programs this winter. On three Saturdays, Jo Weinberg offers a knitting program for all ages and levels. On Sunday afternoon, Ms. Ryan says, “the Friends have a speaker and movie program. And free coffee, compliments of Mocha Mott’s.” The library will introduce genealogy programs, Ancestry.com and New England Ancestry.com for in-library use.

Betty Burton runs the Vineyard Haven Tuesday evening program, with individual speakers in January iand Robert Hayden’s Black History program in February, celebrating the centennial of the NAACP. Also in February, Menu for the Future provides speakers and a workbook to enrich participants. In March, Ann Allen will reprise her popular Vineyard history program.

In Oak Bluffs, Mat Bose, reference librarian and assistant director, describes an Illumination for Lifelong Learners series, which includes basic computer classes, lectures of topical interest, multi-generational gaming, and an information clearinghouse for community members.

The library will purchase a Nintendo Wii, an Amazon Kindle, and a kiosk for information spotlights. Mr. Bose adds that the Better Business Bureau will be presenting a special lecture at the library on Saving Money by Going Green on Jan. 28 and 29. The Library Friends of Oak Bluffs are assisting with this program.

Oak Bluffs director Danguole Budris promotes the virtues of the World Book encyclopedia online: “We’re adding resources for students. We would like to be available as a resource 24-7 at the point of need for the current world in the current economic climate.”

In Edgartown, the focus is on civic responsibility. Director Felecia Cheney says, “Most people feel government and education are complementary. My generation has to step up to the plate. As part of the grass roots, it starts here.” Ms. Cheney is looking for more civic involvement and awareness in her library patrons, and she has a program to address this need. She adds, “I guess it’s important for libraries to educate people on how their government works. The interrelatedness of government and libraries gets lost at times. In a national sense, the election of Barack Obama offers the opportunity to educate people on how our government works..”

Nis Kildegaard, reference librarian, adds, “We’re working on plans for a six-week series of programs about our town government — how it works, and how citizens can work with it. The League of Women Voters has agreed to be a cosponsor, and we’re planning to have the one-hour programs filmed for MVTV.” The program opens with an overview of the town meeting tradition, then offers a user’s guide to town government. “We’ll devote one session to the money — how we raise it, and how we allocate it — then finish with sessions on the board of selectmen, public education, and the town’s responsibilities.” Tentative dates for the program are six Wednesday nights, from mid-January through February.

Library directors are nothing if not enthused about their upcoming programs. That there is such variety, and the libraries are so complementary, they are a resource like no other.

In Aquinnah, Jennifer Christy is excited. “We’re in a temporary space across the street in the town hall. It’s actually more spacious in our winter home! Same days and same hours, Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

Whether it’s the Sunday hours, the lifelong learning or civic lectures, the free chowder from Menemsha Fish Market, there is a reason to check out your library, or visit one in another town. You’ll find a welcome mat at the door.

Ebba Hierta speaks for all the directors when she says, “Libraries are squeezed at both ends. We’re asked to cut our budget while requests from patrons are increasing. We’re looking for creative ways to provide services.” Our library directors are striving to meet the needs of their curious public.

Take it from Donald Billings, who first ventured into the new Oak Bluffs library this fall to research local history as he oversaw construction of a fire barn for his 1929 fire truck. “They’ve got a lot of information. Never knew so much was right there. And they’re really helpful getting it for me,” he says.

That’s the attitude inspired by our local libraries.