Back in the Stone Age, when I was in elementary school, I was a voracious reader.
Some of my favorite stories were the Boxcar Children books by Marguerite Henry (because, let’s face it, what 10-year-old girl doesn’t dream of owning a horse?), the Moffat family books by Eleanor Estes and, of course, the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. On summer breaks, I would read some of my mom’s books or even choose an Encyclopedia Britannica volume, open it up and start reading.
During my junior year of high school, I used the public library to do my required American Heritage reading, but, sadly, my recreational reading became almost nonexistent for many years. When I lost my job a year after graduating from high school, a friend told me about a job with the library. I was fortunate to get the position and, after many years, I’m still happily doing something I love. Now, I’m seldom without a book, sometimes juggling two or three at a time.
When I got my first library card while in grade school, the library had books, vinyl albums and filmstrips to check out. No compact discs, no DVDs, no e-books.
Well, to quote an old commercial, “We’ve come a long way, baby.”
We still have hardback and paperback books, including fiction, nonfiction, large print, biographies, graphic books and books in other languages. The library also carries several newspapers and many of your favorite magazines. If your personal library needs beefing up, browse through our ongoing book sale books. Volunteers from the Friends of the Library add to the sale on Thursdays, so the selection is always changing.
The library also has music CDs, DVD titles and binge-worthy TV series. Our nonfiction DVD collection has everything from travel to exercise. If you are constantly on the go, our compact disc audio books and Playaways can go with you. Can’t make it to the library?
No problem—just visit our website at mybcpl.org. You’ll find many titles available in downloadable book formats. On Hoopla, you will find books, music and movies to download. Overdrive is our e-books resource. We currently have over 50 magazines available online through RB Digital.
If you’re more into events and happenings, we’ve got you covered there as well. There are storytimes and activities for children of all ages, at different times and days throughout the week. Tickets for storytimes are available at the Children’s circulation desk on a first-come basis.
If your child wants to practice reading skills, “Reading Time with Lottie” might be helpful. Lottie is an adorable. American Kennel Club-registered Good Citizen Great Dane that loves when kids read to her. Young adults might want to join the Teen Advisory Board.
Just fill out an application at the teen desk and then attend programs and provide feedback. You can also help plan future programs and events. The library’s monthly craft nights are a great way to create a new masterpiece and meet new people. The library also hosts family events, movie nights and other exciting programs, some that take place right on the library plaza.
And speaking of the library plaza, make sure you visit the Exhibit Columbus installation now through Dec. 1.
There’s a lot going on at your library. Be a part of it.
Missy Henderson is a technical services department assistant at the Bartholomew County Public Library and can be reached at [email protected]
