Library, schools work hand in hand to educate our community

Students throughout Carson City are in the process of gathering the materials needed to begin school tomorrow. Backpacks will be filled with books and pencils; much effort will be made to select the perfect first-day outfit. Last, but not least, students and parents alike should include a library card, which can be acquired free at the library.

The library provides a wide array of activities dedicated to improving educational opportunities for patrons of all ages. Here are some of the ways the library enhances education.

• The highly trained staff includes four professional librarians (Youth Services Director Amber Sady is also a certified teacher), computer experts, and a staff constantly honing their skills to assist in the learning process.

• Fourteen online databases, including periodical articles and reviews for more than 110,000 works of fiction, are just a click away with your library card. Go to the library website and click "online databases" for the complete list.

• Free pre-K learning opportunities with Family Story Time at 10:15 and

10:45 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday

• Live Homework Help and BrainFuse are available for online tutoring and research. These programs can be accessed from home and school.

• State-of-the-art computing stations, Internet access, and some of the best WiFi access in the city assist students in their quest for valid, reliable, accurate information.

• The library is open after school and on Saturday and is a perfect place to work, meet friends for study groups and find additional information for that next project. Computer gaming stations provide a welcome break from studying.

• Clubs, such as the Art Club, Teen Book Club, and Teen Advisory Board give students a chance to "belong" and become involved in community and library activities.

• Career/job searches are invaluable services in this economy and information for senior projects gives high school students an early start to a key component of their senior year.

Learning is not confined to school buildings. It continues long after formal education ceases. Children and young adults require a multitude of resources to navigate this ever-changing world: parents, a concerned community, dynamic schools and a cutting-edge library.

• Sandy Foley is vice chairperson for the Library Board of Trustees.