School Days are Here Again

By Jerry Jones, Youth Services Coordinator

August 25, 2010

Summer ends and a new school year begins. It is a time of mixed emotions. There are those who wish the lazy days of summer would never end. Others are ready for the daily routine and regimen required by a return to the classroom.

The new school year finds us changing things up a bit at the library. As partners in education, we strive to meet the needs of our community, and that includes those of students and parents.

To accommodate homework schedules your library will offer extended hours beginning September 7. The library will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Sunday hours from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., will begin September 12.

When the homework begins rolling in and you don’t know where to start, try the library! You will find our staff ready and willing to help students find the information they need for country studies, science fair, book reports and any other projects popping up on their homework list.

Our librarians are friendly, knowledgeable and able to help students get going in the right direction. They can be a great resource for stumped parents as well!

Your library offers weekly activities for kids of all ages. “After School @ the Library” programs for elementary students are fun and informative, covering a variety of activities and topics. They will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the main library, beginning September 8.

Our new “Tween Monday” programs invite fourth, fifth and sixth graders to participate in book clubs, craft projects, games and other activities designed for their age group. The first “Tween Monday” will be held September 13 at 4 p.m.

The library is a great place for younger children and parents as well. Even though you may not be loading their backpacks and sending them off to school just yet, it is never too soon to introduce your children to the library and lifelong learning.

Thanks to funding from the Natrona County PTA, we are very excited to be adding Activity Kits to the children’s collection this year. Many are already available for checkout. The kits feature popular and important concepts kids need to be familiar with, such as the “ABC’s”, “Five Senses,” and “New Siblings.”

Designed for parents, teachers, daycare providers, and other caregivers, Activity Kits include a collection of books, both fiction and nonfiction, assorted puzzles and games encouraging further exploration of the theme, and an activity guide to help parents or teachers create an even richer learning experience for their child.

Start your children on the path to learning and literacy by attending storytimes at the library. Working parents will be excited to know we are adding a new weekly session at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays to accommodate their schedules. Our regular storytime schedule will resume the week following Labor Day. Stop by the children’s department or call 577-READ to find out more.

Your library can be a great tool as you navigate your children’s education all the way from birth through high school and college. Your library card is one of your most important back-to-school supplies, so keep it close and use it well.

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