Library card a golden ticket

EDITOR:

Do you have a library card? It costs you nothing to obtain and gets you a world of useful things. Books, of course; novels and non-fiction - brand new hot off the presses; magazines and newspapers in their own little room. Don't want to read the latest? The library has the newest books on CD or MP3 called Playaway; also books on cassette. Want to watch a movie or documentary? We have DVD or VHS tapes for adults and kids. All for free.

Want to learn about Nevada, to fix your car, to cook a gourmet meal or bake bread? Want to learn about a celebrity or athlete or a notable person; to knit a sweater; plant a low water use garden; plan your vacation? All for free.

You can even download audio books onto your own MP3 player (you need your own computer). Don't have a computer? The library does, use it for free. If you have a laptop the library is a WIFI hotspot. The library subscribes to many databases and homework help sites.

They can be used at the library or at home, you just need your free library card. There is a nifty program called NoveList where you can find authors similar to your favorites or find all their books, in order.

Do your kids or grandkids need reading material? There are picture books, chapter books, leveled readers, young adult books and kids audios, all in a large, airy kid friendly section. And Leapfrog learning systems - computers and software - for free. There are special, friendly youth librarians who will gladly help you find what your youngster needs. There is also the summer reading program, where reading books gets you prizes. All for free.

Many kind people donate books to the library. They can be bought for a very small sum. Others are free. Magazines are passed on - get them free too.

How do I know this? One of the first things I did when I moved to our beautiful Valley was get a library card. I used it extensively. Then I started to volunteer.

Reading and books and free information are very important to me - and should be to everyone. Economic times are tough now and free is a great thing. Strangely, the more the library is used, the less likely it is their funds (your tax dollars) will be cut back.

The main branch of the Douglas County Public Library is on Library Lane, off County Road, near the high school and swim center. It is closed on Sundays and has shortened some hours due to budget cuts, but everyone there wants to see you and help you and your family.

Terrell Kelso

Gardnerville