FORT CAVAZOS, Texas —During the lazy days of summer there’s nothing better than a good book to pass the time. Luckily, the Casey Memorial Library at Fort Cavazos offers a massive variety of books for all ages and so much more.
The crew of the Great Big Podcast sat down with Rachel Bethel, Casey Memorial Library public services librarian, to discuss the many resources and services the library offers.
Bethel said it’s important to offer a variety of books and access to other resources to accommodate the ever-changing diversity of military families.
“We try very hard to provide the entire installation with opportunities for entertainment,” Bethel explained. “We try to make sure that there’s something for everybody and that everybody has access.”
The library currently houses more than 50,000 books by authors catering to every age group, a large selection of video games, board games, audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.
Casey Memorial also offers free streaming services that provide access to movies, music, videos and even the library version of Ancestry, the popular genealogy website.
Multiple computers are available for use and visitors can print for a nominal fee.
Bethel conveyed the library goes out of its way to support Soldiers and their families and maintain the quality of life that defines the Great Place.
She added it’s important to ensure children feel just as supported as the adults. As such, the library features a dedicated space that caters to the unique needs of youngsters.
The colorful and vibrant space features bookshelves, tables and chairs that are just right for pint-sized guests to comfortably enjoy an assortment of books, games and computer usage.
Bethel said children are often overlooked and it’s important to support them and let them know they matter.
“(Children) need all the help they can get,” she said. “So, the library is key for families. Having access to everything is really important.”
To support families and promote reading and literacy, the library offers an all-ages summer reading program.
Readers register online and log the time they spend reading at home and in the library. Age-appropriate prizes are provided as incentives.
Bethel explained the summer reading program is designed to promote the habit of reading and bring awareness to the library, its resources and services.
She said the program prevents people of all ages from losing their reading skills and comprehension abilities.
“It’s important for adults to read as well,” she explained. “And little ones who can’t read learn an enormous amount of language and other skills by other people reading to them, so its beneficial for everybody.
“It has been demonstrated by studies repeatedly that kids who don’t read during the summer, or, for that matter, adults who don’t read for a long period of time lose their comprehension abilities and their ability to keep up with reading and learning,” she added.
Families can still register for the summer reading program at https://www.beanstack.com/ and log reading time through July 29.
The library will announce top readers at a finale party at 2 p.m. Aug. 3.
Casey Memorial Library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
Visit https://cavazos.armymwr.com/programs/casey-memorial-library for more information.
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