There’s More to the Story

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK IS AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUABLE ROLE LIBRARIES, LIBRARIANS, AND LIBRARY STAFF PLAY IN CHANGING LIVES, AS WELL AS HIGHLIGHTS LIBRARY USE AND SUPPORT.

By JAIME CLINE

The theme for National Library Week 2023 is “There’s More to the Story,” showcasing the fact that in addition to the many books in library collections, libraries offer so much more through programs and services to their communities.

“This theme really shines a light on all of the things that libraries provide for their communities now.

Libraries have changed a lot in the last few decades — we simply aren’t just a place to check out books. We provide services that many people in our community don't know about,” shares Library Director Melissa Uhlhorn.

“Our focus during this year’s National Library Week is to share examples of the technology-based resources we offer to members of the community. We will be spotlighting four during the week,” she explains.

The four-part spotlight series consists of CreativeBug, an online crafts service that was started during the pandemic. The program allows creative types an outlet to participate in crafting activities virtually. The next program that will be highlighted is the language learning program called Rocket Language. Participants can learn virtually a foreign language — great for people who are traveling or going overseas and want to gain some insights before their trip. The third program that will be highlighted during National Library Week is the Library’s online tutoring program Brainfuse. This online tutoring program allows users to connect to a live tutor for any subject at any level. These subject matter experts provide free tutoring in things like English, Science, Reading, Computer Science, College Algebra, and World History starting from kindergarten through university level studies. The last program of the week will be Weiss Financial Ratings, an online program that is a one stop shop for learning about stocks, bonds, insurance, banking, investments, Medigap programs, and other financial services.

But there’s more! “Our library programs bring the community together — to learn, to be entertained, and to be connected to each other with our summer and winter reading programs, reading challenges, story times, crafting classes, in-person tutoring, and meditation and healthy living programs. We provide free access to internet and mobile hotspots, support for businesses like printing, remote printing, faxing, and notary services, and space for job seekers to conduct interviews and work on their resumes. We have a fully trained staff who can help with all of the Microsoft Office Suite programs — they can also help set up iPads and cell phones, download pictures, and transfer documents too,” Uhlhorn shares.

“Of course, books are definitely our #1 resource or product. But we have the ability to offer them in so many different formats now—audio book, eBook, large print, or traditional print. We offer streaming video, online newspapers, multiple research databases, picture books and early readers, magazines, young adult fiction, Spanish titles, and we will soon have the ability for our customers to check out board games in April,” Uhlhorn explains.

“We are working on creating Experience Kits that we hope to launch in the next few months as well. These kits will hold everything you need to “try” a new hobby — for example, a cookbook, cake mix, sprinkles and cupcake liners to make cupcakes. Or knitting needles, yarn, a pattern, and a book on how to learn how to knit. These interactive boxes are a great way to experiment and try out a new hobby — or multiple new hobbies to see what sparks your interest. And these will be provided for free for our community — all you need is your library card,” says Uhlhorn.

The library also offers plenty of volunteer opportunities for adults and teens.

“Our volunteers not only help with items within the library like shelving and sorting the incoming books, but they also help prepare materials for our in-person programs like our summer and winter reading programs. They manage our bookstore called “Read Before Bookstore” — accepting the donations, cleaning the books, pricing, and running the store. All of the funds they raise in the bookstore are used for programming and materials,” explains Uhlhorn.

Interested in volunteering at the library? The Schertz Library is now looking for volunteers for its teen and adult program.