It’s no secret, I love books. I love old books that have been well loved. I also love new books that have not yet been touched. The first thing I do when I pick up a new book is to smell it. Ask anyone I know, they’ll confirm this. 😉 At times I forget how weird it looks. Once, at work, I picked up a new book and promptly flipped through the pages, smelling it. My co-worker said, “Did you just smell that?” Uh, yeah.
Anyway, all this to say, I love, love, love books. I love reading. Being able to go to another place, yet never leave the comfort of your home, it’s simply wonderful. I remember the moment when I feel in love with reading. It was in 4th grade and the teacher read aloud The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by, Julie Andrews. I had a difficult childhood, and I remember this book took me to a far away land, where things were different and where my imagination ran wild.
Fast forward a year, to 5th grade. My step mom took me to the public library (Fig Garden, back when it was across from Fig Garden Village) for the first time in years. I’m pretty sure my mom took me as a young child, but I must have been 3 or 4. So this trip was fun for me because I was allowed to pick out anything I wanted. I was able to look through the stacks, selecting just the right book. Guess which book I chose? Wait for it…. Flowers in the Attic by, V.C. Andrews. Yep, I read that whole series in 5th grade. Probably not the best choice, but hey, I was reading! 😉 So there it was, 5th grade-when my love for the library began.
From that point on, the library was an integral part of my life. When I moved to Northern California, I found the library and got a library card. When I moved to Southern California, I found the library and got a library card. Whenever I visit a city, I like to find the library and check it out. (I fell in love with the Monterey library.) Then, when I came back to Fresno, in less than six months I was working at the library. I started at the Clovis Branch, and I still consider it home. I met amazing people there, most of which I’m still friends with. Over time I worked at a handful of libraries within the County. I’ve worked in Reedley and Laton (the cutest and most homey library I’ve ever been in). I’ve worked at the Downtown, Woodward and Fig Garden branches. Most of my time, however, was spent at the Clovis branch. I was most happy there, and I loved my co-workers. They helped me through births, divorces, marriages and deaths. For 7 years I proudly worked for the Fresno County Public Library.
This might be the time where you’re wondering why I’m going on and on about the library. Yeah, sure, any city can have a library. So what makes the library of FresYes so special? Well, we are what makes it special. This city is made up of wonderfully diverse people. The people who work for the library are equally diverse. Best of all, they understand Fresno. They have programs specifically aimed towards the people of Fresno. When the library sees a need, they meet it. Did you know that there is an adult literacy program available?
The library also likes to support our community. Last semester, my friend from the Downtown Branch was able to get me some flyers to promote the Summer Reading Program. I was able to hand out a flyer to each and every student at the school where I was working. Not only that, but the library has been great at donating books to local programs.
The library is an amazing resource for people. You need a book on how to fix your car, check the library. You want to know what your rights are because your landlord evicting you. Check the library. Need a movie or CD (yes, people still listen to those), go to the library. Oh, what about school projects? Yes, the library can help! Even better, there are real librarians around who can help. And let me share a secret with you, most of them are better than Google. 😉
So what’s going on this Fall at our library? Lots!
There are many programs. Click on the thumbnails to view.
Aside from these programs, the website is pretty amazing. You can checkout eBooks, request items from the catalog, renew your books and look at online databases-all from the comfort of your couch. So feel free to sit in your jammies and get your stuff done. 😉 Now that I have an almost teen in my house, I’ve been looking at the teen site. I really like how they break down the books into categories, which is helpful in helping my daughter find just what she’s looking for. There is also a site just for kids. Oh, and while you’re thinking about your children, for fun call the Dial-a-Story at 559-600-TALE (8253), and your child can listen to a story! I use to record these, and I loved doing it!!!
Another great thing about the library, and this month, is that it’s I Love My Library Month! If your child (under age 18) does not have a library card, take him/her down to get one! When you do, they’ll get a coupon for a free ice cream. Uh, yes, please! 🙂
Also, if you take a picture at your local branch, post it to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use #fresnolibrary, and you might win a prize. We took our picture tonight! 🙂
Each of my kids have a library card. I have a well loved card. You should have one too. Go visit your local branch. Check out a movie or book. Get lost in the stacks. If your printer at home is not working, go use a public computer. I encourage you to ask yourself, “What can my library do for me?” I bet the options are endless. 😉
PS-Did I mention this is all free?! Well, that is, unless you forget to take your materials back on time. In that case, the library police will come get you, just like on Seinfeld. Okay, okay, all that will really happen is that you’ll have a small fee to pay. 😉
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