The recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant and the contribution by the Hop & Mae Adams Foundation totaling close to $600,000 is expanding the library beyond the walls of its current building and providing much needed assistance to current and potential businesses in Carson City and the surrounding area.
Created through a public/ private partnership in cooperation with the library, Office of Business Development, UNR, Northern Nevada Development Authority and the Cultural Affairs Commission, this center will focus on business oriented materials and technology. Whether someone is in need of information on establishing a limited liability corporation, getting a business license, or in-depth research, the Business Resource Innovation Center will be available downtown.
BRIC clients only need a library card, as all computer access and services are free. Libraries throughout the country are reporting significant increases in job seekers looking for employment assistance that the library can provide. With the opening of the BRIC, the Carson City Library is proving to be one of the most innovative, multi-use facilities in the country.
Bargain book sale
Thousands of book donations from a generous community and tireless efforts by Friends of the Library volunteers have combined to create the blockbuster Bargain Book Sale, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Carson Mall.
The book sale and the Browser's Corner provide books at a drastically reduced price, appropriate for readers of all ages.
Studies have shown that book ownership is critical in every child's intellectual development, enabling them to read a story over and over, sharpening memorization skills and the ability to follow and identify words on a page.
Another option: as a twist on book sharing, buy a book at the sale, read it, then recycle it back through the Browser's Corner for others to enjoy.
Teachers can also find great deals for books to supplement classroom libraries.
The Friends are already looking for more book donations for their next book sale.
Book buzz
The combat narrative "War" by Sebastian Junger chronicles his experiences with the 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed in Afghanistan from 2007 until 2008. This portrait of men under fire in one of the most dangerous places in the world has been made into a documentary, "Restrepo," which won a top prize at the Sundance Film Festival and will be televised on National Geographic Channel in November.