There is more to love about February than just Valentine’s Day. It’s also National Library Lover’s Month.

The whole month of February is dedicated to celebrating libraries, librarians and book lovers.

Some good ways to celebrate are to browse the aisles at your local library and check out several books that look interesting or visit the library’s website to access the online catalog, place a hold on the materials of your choosing and when they’re ready, pick them up at the drive-thru window.

For those who don’t have a library card, stop by or call the circulation desk for information on how to obtain one.

Local library patrons can now celebrate all three Jackson County Public Library locations being fully open once again for browsing, services and programs, such as Storytime, Paws to Read, Spilling Ink for aspiring writers and more.

Library Director Julia Aker said all three libraries have new furniture for patrons to enjoy, too, and the Discovery Bus has once again returned to the road with stops Monday through Thursday.

Library programs coming up in March have just been released on the library’s website. Program location and/or cancellation may depend on the county’s COVID-19 status.

Janet Hensen, information services manager at the Seymour Library, said masks are required in programs for ages 3 and up while Jackson County is red or orange on the Indiana COVID-19 dashboard and map, which can be found at coronavirus.in.gov.

Henson said the Seed Library launched last year and is available once again at the Seymour Library.

Last year’s initial collection had heirloom seeds purchased with funds from the library’s endowment with the Community Foundation of Jackson County. Since supplies are limited, there is no guarantee on availability.

A photo of the Seed Library and a list of seeds from last year can be viewed at myjclibrary.org/seeds.

If people are interested in getting seeds, they can call 812-523-4636 or email [email protected]. Seeds also can be picked up through the drive-thru by calling or emailing ahead of time.

Hensen said tax forms also are offered by the library.

“We do have the federal 1040 forms and instruction booklets and are expecting some in Spanish,” Hensen said, noting people can call 812-523-4636 to have them ready for pickup at the drive-thru or download them online at irs.gov/forms-instructions.

She said the state is not sending Indiana forms for the library to give out, but they do have a few copies if anyone would want to make photocopies or they can be accessed online at in.gov/dor/individual-income-taxes.

Indiana SC-40, or Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly, forms are available at the drive-thru window for 20 cents each. Library computers also are available if someone needs to download and print any other tax forms. Printed forms are 10 cents per page.

Another way to celebrate and support the library is by becoming a member of Friends of the Jackson County Public Library, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the libraries in Seymour, Crothersville and Medora.

The organization’s focus is on raising funds to help provide materials and activities on behalf of the adult, teen and children’s programs, its patrons and the community.

The funds come from money raised through membership dues, Oktoberfest parking, book sales and donations, which help fund adult, teen and children’s programs and other library projects.

For information, visit myjclibrary.org/friends-of-the-library or go to the FriendsMyJCLibrary Facebook page.

Support can be shown for libraries and librarians not only this month but year-round by visiting your local library or website to see what’s new and check it out.

For information about teen or adult programming or any of the other programs and events offered at the library, visit myjclibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or call 812-523-4636 in Seymour, 812-793-2927 in Crothersville or 812-966-2278 in Medora. Register for programs at myjclibrary.org/events or by calling the library.