The Fort Jackson library hosted a plethora of events last week that included Legos, microphones, cupcakes and board games to kick off the beginning of the Summer Reading Program.
“We’re not just a warehouse of books,” said Kim McDowell-Will, the Fort Jackson Library children’s librarian. “We want it to be a loud space. We want it to be a space that’s utilized and provide as much service as we can to our community.”
McDowell-Will, who arrived earlier this year from Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland wants to show Soldiers, parents, children, and retirees that the library isn’t just a place to study, but it’s a place to play, learn and engage for patrons of all ages.
“We’ve got June and July planned out and we have a lot of different programs going on,” said Katherine Livingston, Fort Jackson Library director. Some events, such as Matinee Movie Mondays and Tuesday’s Lego Club are recurring, weekly events.
There are also some one-off programs like the cross-cultural potluck on June 14, which is being co-hosted with Fort Jackson Army Community Services and the International Spouse Group.
The cross-cultural potluck is also an opportunity to learn how to enroll in English as a Second Language classes, obtain your driver’s license, get answers to immigration or citizenship questions, and connect with other foreign-born spouses within the Fort Jackson community.
“Our activities are open to all ID card holders,” Livingston said. “Anyone who can get on post and walk in our doors is welcome. So, Soldiers and Families, retirees, civilians and ID card holders can all come.”
If you’re a retiree who wants to keep your fine motor skills sharp by building with Legos or you’re a Soldier new to the area and haven’t built your perfect Dungeons & Dragons guild, the library is the place for you.
Caitlin Pfeiffer and her three children took full advantage of the first week of events by attending the Lego Club, June 6.
“We just moved here,” Pfeiffer said. “Which means we don’t have our stuff right now, so it’s nice to have someone else’s toys.”
Pete Miller, a retired staff sergeant and self-proclaimed dungeon master extraordinaire dropped in to re-hone his dungeon master skills and to get back into the game.
“I haven’t played since the second edition of D&D, so don’t be intimidated,” he said. “My goal is just to make it fun. We will all get through it together.”
“I’ve never played D&D, so I was just hanging out and learning the ropes while I painted,” said Brenton Grierson, a developer at the Institute for Religious Leadership said. “It really doesn’t seem that difficult to pick up. It seems intuitive and the rules are written on the board.” Grierson, who paints Warhammer mini figures, painted and engaged with other players throughout the event.
Even if someone is unable to coordinate their schedule or they prefer passive activities, there’s activities for them too.
“There’s also a photography contest that’s going over June and July and Mic on the Hike Bingo,” McDowell-Will said. For those interested in these more passive activities, stop by the library or message them on social media for more information.
“Everyone can also register online for Beanstack, which is the actual reading program through Fort Jackson.” Livingston said. Beanstack is open to all age groups, including adults and you receive rewards and prizes the more you read. Registrants also receive a free t-shirt for signing up, while supplies last.
“Find Your Voice is our theme this year,” McDowell-Kim said. “It’s about finding your voice and expressing that outwardly … So, we just want to say that there’s no shushing in this library.”
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