FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The modern library is more than just a haven for avid readers to escape into tales of faraway lands, but more of a resource for community members to utilize in all aspects of life, and Fort Rucker's Center Library is no different.
The Center Library has more than just books to keep people entertained, offering 22 high-speed public access internet computers, WiFi, study areas, reading programs and activities throughout the month to keep people coming back.
One of the libraries most popular events, the Mad Scientist Workshop, took place Aug. 17. The event featured Fizzy Chemistry and focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math, according to Cameron Hill, Center Library youth librarian.
"We wanted to put something like this on also because we have a lot of programs for younger kids, but not for a lot of older children, and a lot of these concepts are missing in some schools today, especially with art," she said. "There is a big need in the job market today for science and technology positions, and children want to learn about these things. Hopefully this will build on the concepts that they already know and they can work and grow on it."
This wasn't the first Mad Scientist Workshop that the library has hosted, and parents like Mimosa Whiting, military spouse, said these are the kinds of events that she likes to bring her children to.
"We have a keen interest in science, and since they're home schooled our opportunities to do scientific experiments are limited, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to have a hands-on scientific experiment with other kids," she said during a previous workshop. "I'm happy that the Fort Rucker library is offering this type of thing for older kids -- it's nice to see something that's geared toward middle-school aged kids."
In addition to events throughout the month, the library also hosts weekly programs that people can take advantage of. The library hosts a weekly story time every Friday from 10:15 to 11 a.m., which is a free program that helps to introduce reading to children ages 2-5. Library staff will read a story followed by a coloring or crafting activity.
There are also book clubs for teens and adults that people can take part in. The Center Library Adult Book Club meets every third Tuesday from 5-6 p.m., and people are invited to come and discuss their favorite genre or author.
The Teen Book Club, for ages 13-17, meets every third Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. where teens can discover a new favorite author and participate in activities.
Also, teens and children are welcome to take advantage of the youth rooms that opened earlier in the year, which feature the library's Picture Book and Early Reader collection, and also houses areas that cater to creative learning and interaction between parents and their children.
There will also be a World War I Book Club, which will meet Aug. 24 at 5 p.m., to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S.'s entry into World War I. During the meeting, "Cataclysm" by David Stevenson will be the book of discussion.
If people are in the market for a little less reading and a bit more hands-on work, Yarn It Darn It returns Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. where people can create projects for every skill level from beginner to expert. The event is free and open to ages 10 and up.
The library will also host a Game-A-Thon Aug. 31 from 4-5:30 p.m. where people can enjoy family-friendly games. No registration is required.
The library also partners with other organizations to bring events and educational opportunities to its patrons. In conjunction with the Alabama Humanities Foundation, the library will host the Literature and Veteran Experience Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m.
The veteran-led program is geared toward veterans and active-duty military to provide an opportunity to meet and discuss readings from books, short stories, poems and personal accounts of their choice within a safe environment. Registration is limited to the first 15 participants.
In addition to the events and activities the library hosts, the library also houses a collection of books, DVDs, audio-books, video games, foreign language learning material and more.
For more information, call 255-3885.
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