McConnell library hosts open house

  • Published
  • By Airman Justin Shelton
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The McConnell library hosted an open house for children and adults April 14.

The library open house is an annual program that has been in operation for ten years during National Library week, April 13 to 19 to allow newcomers a chance to see what the library has to offer.

This year, about 415 McConnell members visited the library.

Mrs. Darla Cooper, 22nd Services Squadron, Library Director, has been running the program the last five to seven years.

Not only does the open house ushers in first time library users it provides services to McConnell youth such as Storytime, she said.

Storytimes are offered to readers and listeners in different age categories from three to five years of age, school age and young adults. On special occasions such as Children's book week, volunteers from across the base read to children.

People can also search for their favorite book and audio books, rent DVDs and music CDs. They also have internet access on 13 computers and the capability to download free e-books to personal hard drives.

"We get about 50 to 60 new books from the bestsellers list every month," said Sharon Ailslieger, reference librarian.

Since not everyone may be computer savvy, the library offers help for those who would like to keep up with the technological times.

"We also offer free faxing services and computer classes," said Ms. Cooper. "Computer classes are held in the Butler Community College computer lab from September to April and are free of charge."

At this year's open house, Happy Faces Entertainment performed for McConnell children.

Dennis Porter, entertainer, performed skits from failed tightrope walking, various magic tricks and a mini parade around the Robert J. Dole Center Ball Room.

"I've owned my own business for five years, but I've been 'clowning' for 15 years," said Mr. Porter.

The open house is also aimed towards preparing children and parents for the library's summer reading program. The summer reading program is engineered to encourage children and adults to keep reading and expanding their horizons as well to encourage parents to read to their children. People can sign up free starting May 15.

National Library Week may end on the April 19, but that doesn't mean, people still can't support the library and the future of our children, by continually reading to them, and encouraging them to take part in these great resources, said Ms. Cooper.