Not just books...

and cds and DVDs and computer use. I was recently reminded of the important part the public library plays as a community gathering place during our Spanish language storytime. We had a very large crowd gather to kick off the weekly event with pizza and juice, financed by our wonderful Friends of the library group, followed by stories, rhymes and a bit of dancing. Finally, the children, and a few adults, worked on a craft to take home. Throughout the program I was amazed by the growth we have had in attendance and how many friendships have been created and fostered at this event. In fact, after the program many attendees will often take their children to the children's area to play while the adults continue to visit. Overall, I think this is testament to the fact that the library serves as a very important "third place."

Papercutting program

World Papercutting Projects: More to Explore!

A member of the Guild of American Papercutters presents series of three free programs for adults at 2:00 pm Saturdays October 17, 24 and November 7. Please register at www.sno-isle.org --attendance is limited. All supplies are provided.

Even teens not immune to economic woes

The library is always looking for ways to meet the needs of the community it serves and in today's economic climate those services can be as varied as providing a computer to update a resume or check online job ads to providing free entertainment options with our collection of books, DVDs and other media.

Even area teens are learning to cope with cutbacks and economic instabilty. The Monroe Library has offered Teen Gaming on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. The program is a way for teens to get together and socialize over video games, card games and board games. Until recently teens have been content with playing Rock Band or other multiplayer video games. But lately we have seen a number of teens embrace older games like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon and look for opportunities to reuse and recycle their old collectable cards at game days.

Also recently teens have brought in board games such as Last Night on Earth (a zombie-themed action game) to share with friends. Teens too are looking for ways to stretch their entertainment dollar and Teen Gaming offers a way for them to embrace even older entertainments with a new group of friends.

While teens aren't facing the same pressures and challenges their parents might be, it is interesting to see how our times do affect them and how the library is responding to their unique needs and wants.