If you haven’t visited a local library lately, you might be in for a surprise.

Walk into a library and you won’t just encounter rows of books, you’ll find computer rooms, language learning labs and even a recording studio.

You’ll find computer savvy trainers who are available to help those struggling with technology. You’ll be able to sign up for computer classes at Chattahoochee Valley Libraries and the Phenix City-Russell County Library.

You’ll be able to check out “talking” books and DVDs alongside traditional books.

You’ll find separate children and teen departments and activities that go beyond reading.

Chattahoochee Valley libraries

Henry McCoy, the library’s programming and communications coordinator, wants people to know how much the library has changed.

“We do so much more beyond just checking out books,” McCoy said. “We are the primary technological resource for our community.”

The Columbus Public Library itself has around 100 desktop and laptop computers. Library card holders may use the computers for free.

Others may get a pass allowing them to use a computer for three hours for $1.

While library card holders can check out books and other materials (up to 40), a lot of material is also available online.

The demand for ebooks have doubled over the past year, McCoy said.

Besides computer classes, there is the Mango language learning system and Universal classes that are moderated by instructors. McCoy said there are more than 30 languages available on Mango and about 600 classes offered through Universal.

Those looking up long-lost relatives can use the genealogy department to research family members.

Libraries aren’t forgetting about today’s video game lovers. Wii Game Nights are held throughout the library system and an Xbox tournament has recently been added to the library lineup.

Of course checking out books is still encouraged. Last week, Tammy and David Whorton visited the library to check out books with their 7-year-old son, Baylen.

With Baylen out of school for almost three weeks, his parents want to keep his brain sharp. They family used a computer in the Aflac Children’s department to look up some books recommended by their pediatrician.

Special programs, events

In the spring, the library will be collaborating with MidTown Inc. for “Building Common Ground,” which explores the issues of politics, race and religion.

The first program will be Feb. 21 with speaker Michele Norris of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” who has written “The Grace of Silence: A Memoir.” Religion will be explored in April with speaker Stephen Prothero, an author and professor of religion at Boston University, he’ll talk about his 2010 book, “God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World -- and Why Their Differences Matter.” And in the fall, University of Virginia psychology professor and author Jonathan Haidt, will discuss his book, “The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion.”

Movies for children, teens and adults are shown regularly. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” both parts, can be seen at 10:30 a.m. (Part 1) and 3 p.m. (Part 2) Feb. 4.

Those who don’t live in Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Stewart and Marion counties may use library system resources for $35 a year.

Community groups may reserve any of the study rooms or meeting rooms, including the 125-seat auditorium -- free. Just call ahead of time.

Phenix City-Russell County Library

Librarian Martha Noyes said computer classes are becoming popular. A Word I class is scheduled for Jan. 9-10 and Computer Basics I will be Jan. 17-18.

“They fill up fast so you have to sign up,” she said.

Noyes has been the librarian in Phenix City for five years now. Before that, she was an educator in the Muscogee County School District.

Since she’s been at the library, the collection of books has been updated, the movie collection has changed from mostly video cassettes to mostly DVDs and new departments have been created.

“We added a lot of audio books and quite a few large-print books,” Noyes said. “We have teen and children’s sections. We have had improvements.”

The library is at 1501 17th Ave. (334-297-1139).