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Andersen library delivers study aides and recreational opportunities

  • Published
  • By Airman Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Andersen library has something for everyone--from separate areas designated for study, children or teens to computer labs, books, and a variety of educational materials with multimedia capabilities--the library is the place to be for education and entertainment needs.

The library is available to military members, dependents, Department of Defense civilian employees and military retirees.

Educational materials available at the library include study aids for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and college level examination program, research materials and capabilities, reference materials and a secondary language selection with at least 12 different languages to choose from.

"Providing educational materials to Airmen and their families is our primary mission," said Melissa Taitano, 36th Force Support Squadron library director. "After that, we follow a public library model, providing community centered activities such as the summer reading program, seasonal puppet shows, story time and a 'fun at the library' program. We recently expanded our study areas due to an increased demand over the past six months."

According to Mona Fernandez, 36th FSS library information technician, CLEP study materials are used often at the base library.

"We have members use the CLEP study materials to prepare all the time," Ms. Fernandez said. "Our materials provide them with a study and learning platform to ensure their success when they take the actual CLEP test."

The library also offers free DVD checkout to its patrons. DVDs are checked out to patrons for a week at a time with a limit of three DVDs at one time. Currently there are approximately 1,800 DVD checkouts per month.

The DVD checkout program was started in 2004 with only 50 DVDs, but the inventory has increased significantly.

"Since 2004, the DVD check-out program has grown exponentially," Ms. Fernandez said. "Currently we have 2,000 titles to choose from and 1,900 of those have been purchased in the past year."

Another area heavily trafficked in the library is the computer labs with approximately 1,500 patrons using the computers monthly.

Basic printing, copying, fax and scanning capabilities are offered at the library. Printing and copying costs 10 cents per page and color printing costs $1. To use the library's fax capabilities, patrons must bring a calling card. Scanning and emailing documents are free.

The library also provides wireless internet access, a choice of 40,000 books, audio books, VHS tapes and CDs for checkout and a program called Overdrive where patrons can download audio books and language programs onto any mp3 player for free.

For more information about the library or its programs, call 366-4291.