Teens Learn CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, and Fire Safety

            The Calhoun County Library hosted a special Teen Night featuring Emergency Medical Services and firefighters.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 5 PM – 6:30 PM, we had our regular Teen Night program. Little did they know that we had professionals coming in to teach them lifelong skills that could potentially not only save their own lives but someone else in danger as well.

The EMS team  taught our teens how to do CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the act of pressing on a person's chest to a specific rhythm to stimulate the heart. Teens were able to gain hands-on experience performing CPR on dummies designed to simulate real people. After “saving lives” using CPR, teens moved on to learning the Heimlich maneuver. This involved standing behind a person and applying quick inward thrusts to the abdomen to help dislodge food and restore breathing. The EMS team demonstrated the technique several times and then allowed each of our teens to practice, ensuring they were performing it correctly and effectively. Then the firefighters arrived and taught everyone about fire safety and how to correctly use a fire extinguisher. Many people may feel hesitant about using a fire extinguisher, but with proper instruction from our firefighters, it proved to be simple. Participants learned to pull the pin, aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep the extinguishing agent back and forth until the fire was out.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our incredible county EMS and firefighters who volunteered their time to teach these essential skills. The event was a great success and provided a wonderful opportunity to educate our teens while also making the experience engaging and fun.

If you’re between the ages of 12 - 17, feel free to join us for our next Teen Night. It will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5 PM. We will be making jewelry and eating snacks. We would love it if you would join us!

Reserve a Room at the Calhoun County Library

            The Calhoun County Library has plenty of spaces, places, and rooms available for people to reserve…and it’s FREE!

            Are you trying to find a place to hold an event? Do you need space? Did you know that we have rooms here at the library that you can reserve? Come reserve a room for your next meeting, tutoring session, party, reunion, or whatever you may need. We have tables, chairs, podiums, and Smartboards for you to use as well, if needed.

            The best part is it's FREE! You do not need to pay anything at all to use our rooms. All you must do is give us a call, see if we have that area and time available, and answer some simple questions like how many people you think will be attending and if you will be serving food. On the day of the event, you must present your ID, sign our agreement form if you haven’t already done so, and then tell us how many people came! It’s that easy!

            So if you ever find yourself needing a room for any reason, give us a call and book a room! We love to see all the different community members come into the library for all events!

Passport Services

            Are you dreaming of getting away? Maybe you prefer white beaches and crystal blue water or are you more interested in sitting by a cozy fire watching the snow fall outside?

If you answered yes, come down to the library to get your passport! Applications are free and so is making an appointment to get your application completed! Appointments are only scheduled 11 AM - 3 PM on Monday -Thursday. We do not take appointments on Friday or Saturday.

 

Adult requirements for a first-time passport:

-Completed application (black ink only, with no mistakes)

-Valid picture ID or driver’s license

-Long-form birth certificate

-Passport photo (2 inch by 2 inch, offered at CVS and Walgreens)

-Payment method (check or money order ONLY)

-$35 processing fee (cash, card, or check)

-Valid proof of name change, if needed

 

Minor Requirements for first-time passport:

-All of the above

-Both parents must be present at the time of the appointment

-Both parents need to bring a valid ID and birth certificate

 

Passport fees are:

Adult:

-First Time Book: $165 ($130 application fee and $35 execution fee).

-First Time Passport Card: +$65 ($30 application fee and $35 execution fee).

-Renewal Book: $130 ($130 application fee)

-Renewal Card: $30 ($30 application fee)

Minor (under 16):

-First Time Book: $135 ($100 application fee and $35 execution fee).

-First Time Passport Card: +$50 ($15 application fee and $35 execution fee).

Extra:

-Expedited Service: +60

 

 Normal processing and delivery takes between 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited takes 2 - 4 weeks. We don't usually recommend expediting your passport materials unless you have travel plans VERY soon (within a few weeks).

Whenever you’re ready and you have all of your information together, just call the library at 803-874-3389 and make an appointment with one of our passport representatives! Adult renewals can actually be completed online, if that is easier. There's no need to schedule an appointment if you’re an adult and your passport has not expired for more than 5 years. If it's past 5 years, the application process needs to be completed from the beginning (as if it were the first time).

Otherwise, we will be glad to help you get everything in order and send out your application to get you on your way for your trip! While you’re here, see if we have a book about your destination or check out a book looking for your next stop!

Electronics Class

            Did you get new electronics for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa? Do you need a little help on learning how to use them? The Calhoun County Library would love the chance to teach everyone how to use their computers, phones, or other electronics during Adult Computer Class every Wednesday.

Each Wednesday of the month, from 3 PM - 5 PM, we hold a free Adult Computer Class taught by Lauren Culclasure. This class includes lessons on how to use simple software on computers,setting up an email, working on Microsoft Word, and creating pretty designs for stickers, labels, etc..

One of our loyal attendees even made labels for water bottles for an upcoming party and another made party invitation cards! These patrons were novices working with computers, but regular attendance at our computer classes had them up to speed in no time. We love a good progress story, especially when we are able to see it step by step each week.

We want everyone to not only feel comfortable using our computers in the library but to also know how to use their electronics at home. Did you know that you can even check out computers and mobile hotspots called Kajeets? So you can come to the class, check one out, and then practice at home!

Our Adult Computer Class is not only for computer instruction. We have transitioned into teaching patrons how to use cell phones as well! Whether you have an iPhone or Android, we will teach you how to take pictures, text, download and delete apps, and so much more.

So, make sure to visit the library every Wednesday from 3 PM - 5 PM to join us for our free Adult Computer Class!