Love Libraries, Love Life!

February is designated as “Library Lovers Month,” a time to recognize the value of libraries and celebrate all types of libraries. Libraries are referred to as a community center for lifelong learning. They supply a wealth of information with endless resources in today's electronic world.  Historically libraries have maintained a collection of books to meet the needs and interests of all ages. But in the age of technology, libraries provide databases about health, economics, housing, the environment and countless other areas to support better living conditions and to help people lead longer, more productive and fulfilling lives. Libraries support a competitive workforce with basic literacy programs, computers and other resources to help children and adults learn to find, evaluate and use information they need for their jobs, health, education and other needs. Libraries offer pre-school story hour and summer reading programs to encourage children to begin a habit of reading that will serve to benefit their personal and professional lives as they mature. The library's doors are open to everyone. It is America’s great equalizer, providing everyone the same access to information and opportunities for success.

Maya Angelou, Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University recently spoke at ASU, testifying about the value of libraries. She encouraged everyone to visit the library and get some poetry. As a young girl reading books gave Maya courage to use her voice after spending years as a volunteer mute. She told how rainbows are a sign of hope and sang a line from an old spiritual “God Put a Rainbow in the Sky.” Then Maya explained how a library gave her hope like a rainbow in the clouds.

Dates to remember in February:
 

 Chocolate Daze, a special teen program takes place on February 7 at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy the hot chocolate bar and make chocolate spoons at the chocolate fountain! Create special gifts out of Duct Tape!
 

The Inditers, a young writers group meets on February 6 at 4:00 p.m. and Otaku’s United, an Anime/Manga Club for teens, meets on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.

The Library’s Saturday Music Concert Series features the classical guitar of Daniel Tompkins, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. on the main floor, in front of the quilt display.

Join us for “Get Crafty” classes! All ages and experience levels are welcome. April’s origami class will be making Valentines on Saturday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m. Suzanne's crochet class meets on February 23 at 10:30 a.m. This month's crochet project is Buttoned Wristers (fingerless gloves) Call 846-2041 for more information.

Adult programming offers “Pace Yourself” Computer Classes on Tuesday mornings at 11:00.

Qigong classes are available on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Join us for Social Media Boot Camp Thursday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. for help with Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Blogging, and Prezi.

Parents bring your children to our Family Fling programs, every Saturday through the winter months, at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy stories and be creative with fun art projects!

Children’s programs are scheduled as follows: Story time (4-5 year olds) on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Tot time (2-3 year olds) Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and Afternoon Adventures (6-9 year olds) at 2:00 p.m. on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month. Check the library’s website or call for details.