OREGON — The Oregon Woman's Club celebrated National Library week with members of the staff of the Oregon Public Library on Friday, April 11. Library Director Elizabeth Green addressed the group. She explained in detail many of the numerous services of the library that are available to both cardholders and others, and showed books the club donated to the library in memory of long-time member, Marge Wilhelm, who recently passed away. Chosen to reflect Marge's interest in nature and birds in particular, the books are Birding to Change the World, by Trish O'Kane, Ornithography, An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore and Symbolism. by Jessica Roux, Bird of a Thousand Stories by Kujash Moncef, and for the youngest readers, What's Inside a Bird's Nest by Richard Ignotofsky. These books are available for check-out now.
In her address, Ms. Green pointed out that libraries aren't just about books anymore. Now members of the community can get a passport or have their passports renewed at the library. They can make copies and print documents for a small fee. They can find like-minded people who enjoy the same hobbies they do, such as crafting, through clubs that meet regularly at the library, and they can try out new hobbies at the library's "Try It Tuesdays." The library also sponsors several book clubs and a monthly writers' group where authors can share their work. The library also offers a "Library of Things," where small tools and other useful items are available for short-term use. Of course, books are still a central part of the library's mission, but books are now available in a variety of formats--audio, eBooks, large print, and good old-fashioned printed books. They can be rented, not just from the Oregon library, but from any library in its network. The "Dial a Story" program offers, via phone, a story read aloud, and if you want to exercise with your small children and encourage reading at the same time, you can follow the "Story Walk" at Oregon Park West. On this walk, a new book is posted every month and readers get a whole story simply by following the walking path. For more information about any library services, call 815-732-2724.
