Libraries are more than just reference books and newspapers
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Submitted Article
The Neepawa Press
Are you a one-book-at-a-time reader? Or do you like to have more than one book on the go – maybe one for each room in the house? No matter how we read, it’s important to remember our good fortune to have access to almost any type of reading material that we desire.
Many people in the world do not enjoy our abundant access to books and February is set aside to highlight the importance of literature being available to everyone.
February is “I Love to Read Month” and includes “Freedom to Read Week” from Feb. 21 to 27. Neepawa Library promotes your freedom to read by encouraging residents of all ages to drop in to see what we have to offer. Maybe you haven’t taken out a library membership because you don’t think we have what you like to read. Maybe you don’t think we have the latest titles. Well, libraries are more than just reference books and newspapers.
Our branch is part of the Western Manitoba Regional Library system and we provide access to a wide network of libraries with a multitude of resources. If we don’t have a book, it can be ordered from one of our member branches or even from one of the many other libraries in the province. We can also help you gain access to a multitude of electronic books via eLibraries Manitoba and Hoopla.
In addition, we provide access to the National Network of Equitable Library Service which is a partnership to provide talking books to library cardholders with perceptual disabilities. Perceptual disability means an impairment that prevents or inhibits a person from reading as a result of: severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes; the inability to hold or manipulate a book; or an impairment relating to comprehension, such as a reading disability. Persons with perceptual disabilities are encouraged to register with the CNIB or with the library. Once registered, patrons can borrow audio books produced in the Daisy format for use in Daisy players or in conventional CD players. More information is available by calling the library at 204-476-5648.
The winter session of Storytime is well underway and has only three weeks remaining - how time flies! Everyone is enjoying the books and rhymes and crafts – from groundhogs to pirate ships, the fun never ends! Storytime is held on Fridays at 11:00 am and is for preschool age children and their caregivers. Our next session will begin in April – watch for more information.
Oh, and don’t forget that we have lots of romantic stories and movies on hand for your enjoyment of St. Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. Whether you’re looking for a hot, steamy romance or a sensitive tale of a long-distance relationship, we can help find just the right story for you!
“My love of books was all that saved me.” Robin S. Sharma
