Public libraries have always been about books. And they likely always will be.

But, nowadays, they’re about so much more than that.

For the next three Wednesdays, free income tax services — no complex cases, please — will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon.

Try finding that in your card catalog.

“I think it’s a good time for libraries,” said Turlock branch manager Karina Mendoza. “They were created to be a source of knowledge, and 50 years ago, that was books.”

These days, with information so available online, libraries focus on other ways beyond books to get information to people.

“That could be microscopes, telescopes, or allowing people to have access to a fax machine,” said Mendoza. “A lot of government agencies require forms to be faxed, and at some places that’s no longer affordable. It’s free here.”

You can also check out Home Connectivity Kits: a chrome book, mouse, headphones, and hot-spot. Or, you can check out the hot-spot individually.

Kids can also check out STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) kits that focus on geology, botany, dinosaurs, and more. You check out an entire kit that not only features a book on a particular subject, but other materials that allow you to create a hands-on project.

“It’s a neat way for people, who may not have the funds to purchase these materials, to take them for a test drive,” said Devin Spencer, a library assistant in Turlock. “They might think, ‘Nah, this wasn’t for me,’ and then they haven’t wasted a lot of money buying all the stuff.”

In the same vein, the library has traditional board games that you can check out, from classics such as Monopoly, Battleship and Risk, to new favorites like Wingspan.

“Wingspan is a game where you’re trying to build up the bird population in the area you’re in, whether it’s a marsh or a forest,” said Spencer. “It’s really cool.”

The library also offers use of their subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Modesto Bee and Turlock Journal. And, if you’d like to visit one California’s state parks or beaches, you can utilize the libraries’ free parking pass (good for most parks).

You can also check out backpacks, complete with compass, binoculars, flower and animal guides and hiking poles.

Once a month, the library hosts Pokémon Day, and on the third Wednesday of each month it hosts a chess club from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We provide chess boards but we encourage players to bring their own,” said Mendoza. “But it’s just a way for players of all ages to share their love of chess.”

There’s also a sewing class once a month — always on a Friday.

On the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m., the Master Gardeners highlight a new project. This Wednesday, they’ll discuss how to re-landscape your front yard with native plants, making it more drought tolerant.

On that same day, at 3 p.m., the library hosts its Video Game Day on a big screen television in a private room.

Every second Wednesday of the month, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., the library hosts an Anime Club for 12- to 19-year-olds.

“We just put on an episode, watch it, hang out, and talk about it,” said Spencer. “Sometimes a craft is included, but it’s just a way for teens to meet other teens that like anime.”

On the second Monday of each month, there’s a meeting of the Mystery Lovers Book Club. The group selects a common mystery novel, and then discusses the book at the following meeting.

On April 15-16, the library will host Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros. On April 15 at 4 p.m., there will be a bilingual story time, activities for kids, and free books while supplies last. On April 16, folklorico dancers will perform at 3 p.m.

“We’re busier than we’ve ever been,” said Mendoza. “I’ve been with the library since 2006 and we’re still needed. People still use us; programs are still popular. People need a place to gather, where they don’t feel pressure to buy anything. And people are reading more than ever right now.”

Mendoza pointed out that the library is funded through a county sales tax, so the best way to support your local library is to shop locally.

For every $8 spent, one penny goes to the library system,” Mendoza. “That’s usually my message to people: Shop in Stanislaus County; it’s how we can keep those faxes being free.”