See What's Happening At The Mariposa County Library, by Linda Gast
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| Story Hour with Children's Librarian Lindell Straus-Goodman and Therapy Dog, Steve |
When I first thought of doing an article on the Library I figured I would run in, take a few photos and say how great the Library is. Of course the Library is a great place that is used by people of all ages, but I had no idea of the number of programs that are offered. What started out to be taking a few photos has turned into a three week project and I haven't even begun to cover all that goes on there.
Janet Chase-Williams, Interim Head Librarian, is the first to tell you that the dedicated employees and volunteers keep the Library running smoothly. "We just couldn't run the Library without the volunteers", Williams says with a smile. She will receive her masters degree in December and will become the official Head Librarian.
A project started by Librarian, Lea Ann Nichols, Seniors Taking Photos, is an on going program where senior citizens are given a disposable camera to take photos in
The Community Room is available seven days a week for community activities and meetings. One of the days I visited, the room was occupied by the Mariposa Mountain Hookers. The ladies in the group get together to enjoy their rug hooking projects. Many groups use this room for monthly meetings. Books Galore, open Tuesdays & Fridays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., uses the Community Room. Bargain hunters will find a nice variety of paperbacks and hardbacks, even bestsellers, science fiction and mysteries, to various nonfiction and children's books. There's also a good selection of rare and collectible books. All proceeds of the sales go to the Mariposa County Library system. The Wii program uses the Community Room on Friday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wii is available for anyone looking for some fun and exercise. Using the Wii, bowling, race car driving, going on a safari, tennis, dancing, even playing in a band are all readily accomplished. Wii Fit can be used to increase balance and stamina.
First run movies are shown several times a month with popcorn and drinks after school at 3:00 p.m. The day I visited "The Secret of Kells," was showing. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for best Animated Feature this year. The next movie on the schedule is Toy Story 3.
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Computer Stations are always in use at the Mariposa County Library |
If you have ever stood in line at the DMV you will be glad to know that there is a new service provided by the Library. They are now carrying all the booklets and forms normally available at the DMV. Another recent addition to the Library is the Law Library that was moved out of the Old Court House.
The Mariposa County Library provides free access to the Internet to meet the information needs of their users and to provide residents with opportunities for learning about information technology. Teens share their knowledge of computers. Computer tutors teach adults basic computer skills. This after school program involves teens who teach these skills on a one-on-one basis.
Test proctoring service for legitimate institutions is available at the Library. Arrangements must be made in advance; there is no charge. Contact Interim County Librarian Janet Chase-Williams at 209-966-2140, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Two microfilm and microfiche readers and printers are available for use near the circulation desk. Users have access to the Library's collection of back issues of the Mariposa Gazette newspaper, local 1800's census records, and various local court and government records on microfilm and microfiche.
One of the services I particularly enjoy are the books on tape and CD. They are really great to take on long trips. You may also listen to the books at the Library.
I really like dogs and enjoyed visiting with Mr. Gunny, the "Tail Wagging Tutor". Mr. Gunny, a seven-year-old Australian Shepherd Therapy dog, visits the Children’s Room with his handler, Marilyn Rudzik, a retired Special Education Teacher, twice a month. He brings his own red blanket with him and invites kids to sit down and read to him. In fact when he didn't have anybody to read to him he started to give a low cry. Mr. Gunny seems to love everybody and the kids love him. It took one girl five minutes to pick out a book that she thought Mr. Gunny would like. Her selection was a story about a tree. Another boy laid right down on Mr. Gunny's tummy and began to read. This did not seem to bother the dog at all. He even put his paw on the book when he was really interested.
Steve, a giant Mastiff Therapy dog, comes to the Wednesday morning Story Hour with his owner Larry Williams. The kids treat him like a member of the group. Steve is not quite as active as Mr. Gunny, but he did seem to enjoy the leaf dropping song. He even tried to join in by eating one of the paper leaves.
The Children's Room is designed for toddlers to preteens. Storybooks and general fiction for different reading levels are shelved in separate areas. There is a large collection of non-fiction books for young readers, as well as children's magazines, audio books, videos, and a reference collection. Computers with interactive learning games, word processing, and reference programs are available for use by children. An audio station with headphones is available for children to listen to audio books while in the library. The children's room is also used by
You just get a good feeling when you come into the Library. It is the feeling of people helping people and making a difference. I have just touched upon a few of the services and activities offered by our great Library. For more information go to: www.mariposalibrary.org or pay a visit to the Library.
Linda Gast
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