Adults Enjoy Interaction at Their Library

By Nicholle Gerharter and Betsy O'Neil, Reference Librarians

July 9, 2008

Your library has many offerings for adults, including a summer reading program, films, discussion groups, games, and more. This week, we’ve asked our patrons why they attend programs at the library.

“I like the variety,” one film attendee mentioned recently. For the past five years, the library has hosted an Independent Film Series, showing one foreign or independent film each month. Viewers are rewarded by diverse languages, plots, cinematic styles, and themes. The discussion following each film is often touted as attendees’ favorite part of the night.

Discussion is also a key component of the library’s ongoing book discussion series. Each month, the library hosts two book discussions, one at the main branch and one at the Bob Goff Memorial Library in Mills. The readings are diverse; fiction, nonfiction, bestsellers, critically-acclaimed authors, classics, and just-for-fun reading are all included.

We’re often told, “It’s not something I would normally choose to read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the discussion.” As librarians, we enjoy the opportunity to broaden our patrons’ horizons. Book discussions are one of many ways we do that.

“I learn something new every time. Keep them coming!” one long-time computer class attendee often tells us. The Library offers community members free monthly classes on Computer Basics, Microsoft Word and the Internet. Each month we teach one or two specialty classes as well. Topics have included learning to use Ebay, Google, Online Vacation Planning, Microsoft Powerpoint and more.

The Library offers many unique and fun programs throughout the year in addition to regular monthly programs. “Bunco Night” has been a popular family program with many parents thanking us for an “entertaining evening the entire family can enjoy.”

The adult summer reading program gives grown-ups an opportunity to have fun and earn prizes while enjoying reading throughout the summer. Craft programs such as candlemaking and papermaking are an enjoyable way for adults to learn new skills and meet new people.

Author nights give the community a chance to become familiar with Wyoming writers such as Jennifer Lowe Anker, C.J. Box and Craig Johnson. Other programs have included practical advice to help individuals start their own business, repair their credit, buy a home, and even apply for a grant.

Coming soon to your library:
View and discuss the documentary “My War, My Story” on July 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the library’s Crawford room. Bunco Night for Families returns with pizza included at 6:30 p.m., July 24th. Beginning Friday, August 15 at 1:00 p.m. and continuing weekly through September 12, enjoy a series of epic films, both new and old. Look for the upcoming “Smart Investing” series beginning in September, helping adults learn about financial management, investments, and saving for retirement.

At your library, we strive to provide relevant, educational and informational programs and services to adults throughout the year. If you have ideas for topics or programs you think we should explore, we will gladly take suggestions. Please visit or call the Reference Desk at 577-READ, ext. 2.

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