From the arrival of the automobile that connected Statesville and Mooresville in a way never before possible, Iredell County has always embraced new technology to change the way we live. Today, the latest shift isn’t on the road but on our screens, as digital integration is once again reshaping how residents connect, pursue their hobbies, and spend their free time.

The Digital Shift in Hobbies and Recreation

Across the county, traditional pastimes and community organizations are finding new life through online platforms. A perfect example is the Iredell County Public Library. The Statesville Main Library and its branches continue to thrive  with real books and in-person activities, but the library’s online resources are making it easier for us to learn about our past.

Library Director Juli Moore says, “We’ve been working to make our local history and archives available to everyone, no matter where they are.” “With our scanned historical documents and photos, a genealogist or a student can now research Iredell’s past from home, making our history more accessible than ever.”

Local organizations are also taking their communities online. Take the Statesville Garden Club, for example. They still meet in person to offer each other guidance and plan local projects, but much of what they do every day now occurs in their social media groups and online forums. Members may quickly talk about pest control tips, organize a last-minute plant exchange, or schedule a day to clean up the neighborhood outside of their regular meetings. It’s a town square that is open all the time, and it makes the bonds that are created during their in-person interactions stronger.

Virtual Spaces Connect the Community

For a lot of people in Iredell, particularly those who live in the country or have hectic job schedules, virtual spaces have become quite important for staying in touch. Hyper-local forums and Facebook groups are like new town squares where people can support each other by posting about a lost pet, asking for business suggestions, or organizing a food drive. These online connections make sure that community life isn’t restricted to one place, giving individuals a great way to connect and help one another.

Entertainment Finds a New Home

There has also been a huge change in home entertainment. Digital streaming and on-demand programming have made it possible for people in Iredell County to choose from more options than ever before. Going to the movies is still a terrific way to spend a night, but app-based and online gaming have grown quite popular. One example of this is the growing popularity of playing card and table games online, which allow players the opportunity to interact with their loved ones and friends in novel ways. In this trend, there are websites that provide games that are modeled after live casinos, in which users may interact with a dealer and other players in real time.

A Healthy Balance for Iredell’s Future

Ultimately, this digital change is about striking a balance between the new and the conventional. Technology provides us great new ways to organize events and make our communities better, but it can’t take the place of real-life friendships or the necessity of supporting our local businesses.

Residents of Iredell appear to comprehend this clearly. There is a good chance that you may run into your neighbors at the Statesville Farmers Market, a performance in downtown Mooresville, or a restaurant in the neighborhood, even if you are a member of an online group or attend a virtual meeting. The goal is to strengthen our community via the use of technology, not to diminish the qualities that set it apart from other communities.