For residents Doug and Peggy Fortner, the Selma-Dallas County Public Library has offered resources they would never be able to access otherwise. And while visiting the library frequently, the Fortners said “the library has become a second home.”

“They’re so friendly here — they treat you like family,” Doug said. “They know us by name because we come here all the time.”

Joining the library more than 20 years ago when their children were in elementary school, Peggy said she had no idea what the Internet was or how to use it. However, through the years, she said the library staff has assisted her and Doug in learning how to use the computers.

“Just the magnitude of how modern this library has become — it’s amazing,” Peggy said. “And if you ever need help, the staff is right there, eager to help.”

After suffering a heart attack, Peggy said the library staff expressed their concern, checking up on her frequently.

“I know their job is to help you, but they’ve sort of become family along the way,” she said.

On the second floor of the library — where the computer section is housed — Doug and Peggy can often be seen, sitting side-by-side, browsing articles on the Internet. An avid Kentucky sports fan, Doug said his favorite sites to visit are sports blogs.

“I enjoy the Internet because I’m a big Kentucky fan so I can keep up with my Kentucky sports and news,” he said.

Peggy, who enjoys entertainment news, said she likes to keep up with celebrities and what’s going on in Hollywood.

“I like coming here because we don’t have a computer at home, so the library allows us to use the Internet and look at books and magazines,” she said.

Aside from staying current with sports and news, both Peggy and Doug said the best thing about the Selma-Dallas County Public Library is that it allows them to stay connected with their family, who all live outside of the area.

“The Internet is how we keep in touch with them — we email them here,” Peggy said. “I definitely think we’re lucky to have this great library and more people should appreciate it. It’s a great resource.”