Appreciating Libraries with Libraries Rock

I have been away from my blog this year thus far due to many things in the stuff of life. This past week I stopped by the New Braunfels library and was glad to see a packed parking lot so I thought I would do a post on the Library Summer reading program. I had gone to the library to turn in an activity log for the reading program. Passing by the children’s section I saw a poster “Libraries Rock”. This was the same theme that I found on my hometown, Barberton Public Library homepage, so it must be a national theme. Each Summer I usually check out the homepage of the Barberton library to savor memories of Summers spent there when I was younger.

The reading logs that are to be turned in look like bingo cards and there are a variety of library related items on the card: “read 30 minutes” (most frequently listed), “attend a library event”, “check out a CD”, “read a magazine”, “recommend a book to a friend” are some of the items to check off. I dropped off a log form and received another. The forms are turned in for a raffle drawing at the end of the Summer in all the age levels. I was encouraged to see the involvement in the library program that day. Having difficulty in finding a parking spot was actually a joy to me as it meant many townspeople were making use of the library services.

As I went home I thought of the theme, “Libraries Rock”. In the past most of the themes focused in on reading, which I fully promote myself, especially to college students in my courses I teach and to clients in my counseling practice. The theme this year helps us to appreciate what a library is to a community. The services a library provides to a community are plentiful activities for all the various age groups. I noticed this Summer for adults they have at the New Braunfels library for example -- Coloring therapy classes, opportunities to learn yoga and book clubs. I look forward to a future point in life where I can be involved in some activities in the library. Right now my primary appreciation for the library is to find new books to read.

My hope with the “Libraries Rock” theme that it will help young people to capture an inner energy for what libraries can offer. Rock music is high energy so with all that libraries offer, the theme provides a positive connotation to capture the hearts and minds of young people. For teens the New Braunfels library offers art classes and an Anime club. Then for children they have story times and various events such as a Zoofari.

An appreciation for libraries and books has always been a big part of my life. Growing up in Barberton, Ohio my mother always encouraged reading and library involvement. In our high tech world it is easy to be trapped within the four walls of a house. The local library provides a place for booklovers to gather and meet likeminded people with book clubs and a variety of activities that are relevant to a fulfilling life. The Summer is not over so take some time to stop by your local library and gain an appreciation for what the library can offer you.

Reflection- Take a look at your local library webpage and look over the various services your library offers. The Reading programs go through August so be involved with it.