FORT STEWART, Ga. - Though October and National Book Month are over, the written word can be celebrated all year long through Kindle, the Internet, or a visit to the 1st Lt. George P. Hays Library on Fort Stewart.
"We have 50 computers for people to use here, which might make our library a bit different from others," said from lead library technician Diane Simmons.
The Hays Library averages 1,000 customers per day.
"A lot of (those customers) are coming for testing and getting deployment information," Simmons said. "And there are those who still come to look over and check out our various books and DVDs. We even still have some items available on the VHS format."
Checking out DVDs can save a lot on out-of-pocket rentals for the same movie or TV series from a video rental store. They can be checked out at no charge for seven days at a time, with a limit of five per Family.
Hays has more than 60,000 publications and continues to get more all the time. When asked about the old items, Simmons explained that because they are government property, they have to be disposed of through the government channels, like in the property disposal office.
"A lot of the old items have to be replaced, but we do keep a lot because of historical value," said Simmons.
Simmons also said that even though many people still prefer going to the Internet, they do keep current periodicals and books on education, grants and travel. The newspapers on hand have dwindled down to just a few of the major ones, like The Wall Street Journal.
"We saved money by discontinuing hard copy receipt of newspapers that included The San Francisco Times and Miami Herald," said Simmons. "Most people access them on-line now."
Children can still find an opportunity to expand their learning horizon at the library. Bobbie Leggins, another library technician, receives praised from Simmons.
"She has a weekly program along with themed monthly events," Simmons said. "For Fire Prevention Week, she had the children interact with trucks and firemen here at the library."
Another free service provided by the library and staff are the DVD recordings. Soldiers can come in and read a book for their child and have it taped. Simmons noted that there may be some who do not have camera access, so this is definitely a service they don't mind providing.
Another new venture for Hays is the Marne Book Club. Members meet the first Thursday of every month at the library. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend to socialize and discuss the latest selection.
Banned books get a second look at Hays Library. Even though they may have once been on a must-read list, many parents of a more recent age have deemed such novels as "Catcher in the Rye," "A Farewell to Arms," even "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," worthy of banning. These books and others have found new enlightenment on the cake platform shelf in the library.
"These books were (banned) because of either the controversial author or a line in the book," said Simmons.
The library is still the quietest place around. Check it out Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on federal holidays.
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