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Volunteer With us at Handley, bowman, and Clarke

5 Reasons to Volunteer at Your Local Library

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Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your time this summer? Consider becoming a volunteer at your local library! There are so many benefits of volunteering, and here are just a few of them: 

 

1. Give Back to Your Community 

Libraries are hubs of resources and information for the community, and by becoming a volunteer, you are helping to further this mission.  

2. Boost Your Resume 

Volunteering boosts your skills in teamwork and empathy, which are applicable to practically every job. In addition, employers are impressed by volunteer experience as it shows you filled your time by serving others. 

3. Learn New Things 

From soft skills like organization to more library-specific tasks such as shelving books, there is so much to learn. You may even find a new dream job! 

4. Make Friends 

The people you meet through volunteering will most likely be around the same age as you and have similar interests, and you’ll get to spend time together every week. 

5. Have Fun! 

Although volunteering can be hard work at times, it is super fun, especially at the library. You’ll be able to help librarians create displays and run fun programs, and you may even become a puppeteer! 

 

To learn more about volunteering at the Handley, Bowman, or Clarke branches, please visit https://www.handleyregional.org/volunteer-library. We hope to hear from you soon! 

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Amazing Zoe and Grandma's Memory Box

Learning Through Play: Workout that memory

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A HUGE part of reading is retention through memory. Are we remembering each letter sound? Can we recall the sound on the spot for both lowercase and uppercase letters? How do we connect these sounds to make the word, and after we have sounded out the word can we remember to speed it up fast enough to make it comprehensible?

But memory also impacts our daily lives beyond reading because it shows we have created a routine or learned something and then bring it up front on demand. But how do we work such an important tool to help ourselves, our children, and/or our students? 

Make a game of it for everyone!  Utilize our STEAM TO GO KITS, games, and special Storytimes as a foundational way to help strengthen memory outside of our daily routines. Our STEAM TO GO KITS offer fun books, games, and toys at each branch that can build upon rules for playing, reading, working together and more. We have games! On a rainy day, come to the library to checkout and play games for all ages. And lastly, use our storytimes as a talking point for your family, or even as a way for you to read to your child at night.

"What did we do at story time today? Can we place it in order? What did we like and dislike about Storytime?"

" Let's make a prediction before we start our book. Is our prediction right? Do we need to change it? Now that we have finished the book, let's recount the story from beginning to middle to end."

You can even check your child's background knowledge by seeing what words, topics, events they can recall before you start any books or adventures.

 

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National Library Week 2024

10 Ways You Can Celebrate National Library Week

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Welcome to National Library Week, a time when communities across the nation join hands to celebrate the cornerstone of knowledge, inspiration, and community: libraries. At Handley Regional Library System, we're thrilled to be part of this annual celebration, and we invite you to join us in commemorating the incredible contributions libraries make to our lives. This year's theme, "Ready, Set, Library!" embodies the excitement and readiness to explore the myriad offerings libraries provide. Here are ten ways you can celebrate National Library Week with us:

  1. Visit Your Local Library: Step into the welcoming embrace of your local library. Whether it's to check out a book, attend an event, or simply bask in the quiet ambiance, your presence is what makes our library truly special.

  2. Attend an Event: Dive into the diverse array of events happening at the library. From author talks and workshops to book clubs and children's storytimes, there's something for everyone. Bring a friend or family member along for an enriching experience.

  3. Explore New Books: Take a leisurely stroll through the stacks and discover your next literary adventure. Whether you're into fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels, our shelves are brimming with stories waiting to be uncovered.

  4. Get a Library Card: If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to sign up for a library card. Gain access to a treasure trove of resources, from books and e-books to online databases and educational tools, all for free!

  5. Share Your Library Love: Spread the word about the magic of libraries by sharing your experiences on social media. Use the hashtag #loveHRL to join the conversation and inspire others to explore all that libraries have to offer.

  6. Support Library Funding: Advocate for the importance of libraries in your community. Whether it's attending town hall meetings, writing to elected officials, or simply talking to your neighbors, raising awareness about the value of libraries is essential for their continued success.

  7. Volunteer Your Time: Consider giving back to your local library by volunteering your time and skills. Whether it's shelving books, leading a workshop, or helping with community outreach, your contributions make a difference.

  8. Explore Our eLibrary: Can't make it to the library in person? No problem! Dive into our eLibrary, where you can access a wealth of resources from the comfort of your own home. Explore databases covering a wide range of topics and dive into eBooks, movies, and audiobook right from your device at home. Our eLibrary is accessible anytime, anywhere, making it easier than ever to tap into the resources and services your library has to offer. Check out our website for a full list of eLibrary offerings and start exploring today!.

  9. Purchase Books at Our Used Book Sale: Join us for our annual used book sale at Bowman Library from April 13th to April 15th to April 19th. Discover hidden literary gems while supporting your library. Every purchase helps fund our programs and services for the community.

  10. Say Thank You: Last but certainly not least, take a moment to express gratitude to the library staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make our library a vibrant hub of learning and discovery. A simple thank you goes a long way in showing appreciation for their dedication.

As we celebrate National Library Week together, let's reaffirm our commitment to the power of libraries to transform lives and strengthen communities. Whether you're a longtime library enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore, there's never been a better time to embrace the magic of libraries. Happy National Library Week!

 

 

 

 

 

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