Is the unseasonable rainy spell putting a damper on your summer plans? Gwinnett County Public Library's many offerings have made it a hot spot for people of all types.

If it's been awhile since you've visited a public library, you might be in for a surprise.

In addition to the traditional stacks of books and racks of magazines, the county's 11 libraries offer music CDs, videos and DVDs.

Free Internet access is available as well as children's games on computer. Books on tape and books on CD are also offered.

And there are some special events, such as a recent "improv" comedy night geared toward teenagers.

"When I look around the library, I see people and families of all ages and backgrounds that are taking advantage of all the things we have to offer," said Cindy Murphy, director of marketing and development for Gwinnett County Public Library.

On a given day at the Lawrenceville branch, children are sprawled across the rug, engaged in a story of "Clifford the Big Red Dog."

At the computers, parents look on as children, playing a computer game, compete with siblings.

An elderly lady with black-rimmed glasses sits at a table laboring over a crossword. An architect busies herself drawing and designing a house, oblivious to the activity around her.

Library patrons don't have trouble finding their niche, whether they are "young or the young at heart," Murphy said.

On weekdays, professionals come into the library during their lunch breaks and work on projects and assignments while eating lunch.

"Many people don't know that food is allowed in the library," Murphy said. "We often have people from the Gwinnett Justice and Administration coming in here during their lunch hours."

Sadeta Turkic of Dacula and her 16-year-old daughter, Aneta, have been going to the library regularly for three years.

"The Internet is really fast," said Aneta, a student at Dacula High School. "They usually have all the books you need."

Thirteen-year-old Sandra Godina plays computer games with her younger brother at the Lilburn or Five Forks branch.

John Nisley of Duluth said he likes libraries in general and visits the Lawrenceville branch to browse books or do research.

Isabel Santacruz spends her time reading Spanish magazines and books while her children entertain themselves.

Murphy said that two weeks ago, the Collins Hill branch held an improv comedy night to encourage teenagers to read, and about 73 people attended.

"Kids came to the library on a Friday night," she said. "That was a big deal."

The system has more than 1 million items, and every library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The busiest day is Sunday, and the busiest branch is Collins Hill, followed by Five Forks, Lawrenceville and Duluth.

Currently, a branch is being built in Suwanee. Three others --- Dacula, Grayson, and Hog Mountain --- are being designed.

> Online: www.gwinnettpl.org allows users to renew items, place holds, see upcoming events or do research. Books in large print are available for people with sight impairments.