Check It Out
by CARA WAITS
With one year coming to an end and a new one about to begin, we are in a great position to reflect upon what’s been done and look forward to the future.
The beginning of 2011 saw the groundbreaking for the new 20,000-sq.-ft. Kyle Public Library featuring spacious community rooms, the Heritage room, a children’s area featuring early literacy computers, and areas with comfortable seating for reading magazines or relaxing with a good book. The projected grand opening is this spring.
Other highlights of 2011 were the naming of a new Library Director, Connie Brooks, and the hiring of an Assistant Director, Cara Waits. The Kyle Public Library web site took on a new look and new courtesy services were implemented including reminder email notices for materials coming due and the option of having the library’s newsletter sent directly to your email.
Kyle Public Library cardholders now have access to the TexShare databases that can be accessed through the Texas State Library where you will find online resources for genealogy, business, health, and homework, in addition to digital books available for downloading.
The Kyle Public Library also offered a variety of programs such as Vita which provides free assistance with taxes, ESL, computer, citizenship, GED, and French and Spanish language classes. In addition, the library hosts summer reading programs, story times in English and Spanish during the week, and a bilingual story time on Saturday. On the third Thursday of the month, the Page Turners Book Club meets to discuss monthly literary selections.
The library is also sponsoring orientation meetings the first Monday of each month presented by Gary Job Corps. If you are 16 through 24 or a disabled veteran, of any age, with an honorable discharge, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, meet the program’s income requirements and are serious about starting a career, you may be eligible for technical training in several different career areas.
There is so much happening at your library, come and check us out. With so much to look forward to, the staff of the Kyle Public Library wish you Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!
