Students throughout Carson City are in the process of gathering the materials needed to begin school tomorrow. Backpacks will be filled with books and pencils; much effort will be made to select the perfect first-day outfit. Last, but not least, students and parents alike should include a library card, which can be acquired free at the library.
The library provides a wide array of activities dedicated to improving educational opportunities for patrons of all ages. Here are some of the ways the library enhances education.
• The highly trained staff includes four professional librarians (Youth Services Director Amber Sady is also a certified teacher), computer experts, and a staff constantly honing their skills to assist in the learning process.
• Fourteen online databases, including periodical articles and reviews for more than 110,000 works of fiction, are just a click away with your library card. Go to the library website and click "online databases" for the complete list.
• Free pre-K learning opportunities with Family Story Time at 10:15 and
10:45 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday
• Live Homework Help and BrainFuse are available for online tutoring and research. These programs can be accessed from home and school.
• State-of-the-art computing stations, Internet access, and some of the best WiFi access in the city assist students in their quest for valid, reliable, accurate information.
• The library is open after school and on Saturday and is a perfect place to work, meet friends for study groups and find additional information for that next project. Computer gaming stations provide a welcome break from studying.
• Clubs, such as the Art Club, Teen Book Club, and Teen Advisory Board give students a chance to "belong" and become involved in community and library activities.
• Career/job searches are invaluable services in this economy and information for senior projects gives high school students an early start to a key component of their senior year.
Learning is not confined to school buildings. It continues long after formal education ceases. Children and young adults require a multitude of resources to navigate this ever-changing world: parents, a concerned community, dynamic schools and a cutting-edge library.
• Sandy Foley is vice chairperson for the Library Board of Trustees.