In light of recent events, the financial meltdown, the BP oil spill disaster, the budget crisis affecting every Nevada citizen and the dissension among our elected officials, it is refreshing and exhilarating to find something that not only works, but keeps steadily improving - the library.
Every time I visit the library, I find something else that makes it more valuable and helpful. Having checked out a couple of audiobooks to listen to on my walks and hikes, I was exploring the website, www.carsoncity
library.org, at home and searched the card catalog. When I found two best sellers I wanted to read, I put them on hold (all I needed was my library card and phone number), and three days later I received a call that the books were available. One even arrived from the Elko Library.
With the help of the dedicated library staff, I found the books on the appropriate shelf, used the self-checkout and was on my way, but not before quickly glancing at the new books and staff picks displays near the entrance. There I found a current DVD, as well as an old Western to add to my account.
What the library
can do for you
The Summer Reading Program, which is open to patrons ages 2-17, is in full swing, with more than 500 participants signed up so far. The program continues until Aug. 7, and culminates with a fun-filled event at Mills Park. Homemade ice cream will be available and prizes will be presented for the raffle winners.
After a short hiatus, story time returns to the library on Wednesdays and Thursdays (10:15 and 10:45 a.m. both days and bilingual story time on July 22). On July 22, Super Reader Floyd Stokes will provide stories, arts, crafts and even fitness activities at 10:45. Probably one of the most popular programs for children occurs July 24 and lets children read to specially trained therapy dogs. Entitled Love on a Leash, the program lets youngsters practice reading skills in a warm, friendly, non-threatening environment.
What you can do for the library
Join the Friends of the Library. For less than the price of most books, you can support an organization that is essential to the smooth operation of our library. Donate books to the Friends' Browser's Corner. As many as 3,000 books have recently been donated and are available for purchase.
Mark your calendar for New Year's Eve. The gala, held at the State Library and Archives, promises to be a delightful way to celebrate. Starting at 6 p.m., with the New York broadcast at 9, this event gives party-goers a way to enjoy the night's festivities, bid on some fabulous auction items and help raise money for our library.
• Sandy Foley is vice chairperson for the Library Board of Trustees.