Huachuca's MI Library offers community more than books

By Amy McLaughlinJune 19, 2018

usa image
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Upon entering the CW2 Christopher G. Nason Military Intelligence Library on Fort Huachuca, expect unexpected first impressions.

From the sounds of quiet conversation and popcorn popping, co-mingled with the scent of coffee, the splashes of color from various state and international flags suspended from the ceiling, a cozy reading area complete with a functioning fireplace and a smiling, friendly staff, The visitor immediately uses all five senses.

With upwards of 20,000 patrons a month and an average of 1,000 per day, the MI Library seems to experience constant activity from opening until closing.

Official business hours are 6 a.m. -- 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. -- 6 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. -- 6 p.m. on weekends, but Barbara Henry, dubbed "ace administrative asset" by command librarian Joan Blaylock, said she arrives at 5 a.m., and will open the doors for anyone who wishes to enter.

"If I'm here and the lights are on, we are open, as far as I'm concerned," said Henry. In addition to the commanding general's reading list and a plethora of other books, the award-winning library also offers three fax machines, printer support, a digital sender, 60 computers and laptops, free Wi-Fi and drops in the floor near every seat for library patrons to power personal laptops.

The library also offers the open source center, Foreign Language Center, Virtual Footlocker, SMART Board, inter-library loans and book orders.

There is even an information technology specialist on staff, Kyle Conley, who can resolve computer issues on the spot and has the ability to reset common access card pin numbers on-site Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 -- 11 a.m.

Blaylock and Henry said the common motto among the small library staff is: "Anything for the Soldiers," -- and they mean it.

The MI Library is located on Hatfield Street, Building 62723, and is open to the community. To learn more, visit the library in person or online at https://ikn.army.mil/apps/milibrary.