LIBRARY NEWS & NOTES: So many things to be thankful for at the library

The elections are over, and the arduous task of strengthening our economy and encouraging job and business growth takes on an even greater urgency. Leaders have used words and phrases like continuity, collaboration, creation of a "one-stop-shop" and the establishment of a coordinating body for the task ahead.

The BRIC (Business Resource Innovation Center), at 108 E Proctor St. downtown near both City Hall and the Secretary of State's Office, has centralized eight divisions and services to better assist businesses and is rapidly epitomizing all of the above-mentioned ideals. From planning, to engineering, to licensing, to specialized business research, the BRIC provides a centralization of services. Beautifully decorated with the assistance of the Capital City Arts Initiative; filled with the latest technology; and home to three spacious meeting/consulting rooms, the BRIC will become increasingly important during the legislative session.

Literacy for Life and ongoing activities

While visiting the youth/children's section of the library last week, I got an opportunity to see the rewards of Literacy for Life in action. Children and teens were everywhere, flashing their new library cards and checking out materials at a brisk pace. How gratifying it is to watch an 8-year-old set her stack of books on the RFID system pad, swipe her card, and then ask an older patron if he needed any help checking out books.

The video-gaming area was also full of participants, sitting in comfortable chairs, accessing various games and connecting with their friends. Video gaming is available after school from 3-6 p.m. Teens can also join the Teen Book Club on Thursday, Nov. 18 for a chance to read "Hunger Games," the first book of the trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Munch pizza and begin reading and discussing the most compelling science fiction written in a long time.

'Peanutcracker' performance

At 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, Sierra Nevada Ballet provides a free preview presentation of excerpts from the highly acclaimed "Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell," which is geared toward younger audiences. Following a short narrated explanation of the original Nutcracker, the auditorium stage will come alive with the music, dance and holiday spirit of this timeless story. The full, 45-minute production will grace the stage at the Community Center in early December.

Job and career resources

Library patrons wanting to learn more computer skills or key in to the latest advances can sign up for free one-on-one computer tutoring. Call the library to make a reservation or sign up at the main desk. Web searching, e-mail and word processing are the main focus. The Learning Express Library database targets Microsoft applications and is self-paced. A library card opens the door to the future of technology.

• Sandy Foley is vice chairperson for the Library Board of Trustees.