Travis library offers more than just books

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Anyone walking into the Mitchell Memorial Library can notice they have books, magazines, DVDs and computers available for the Travis population, but the depth of resources available may go unnoticed.

"Mitchell Memorial Library was named for Lt. Col. Kirk R. Mitchell," said Marie Ludwig, 60th Force Support Squadron supervisory librarian. "He was a member of (Military Air Transport Service) C-97 crew who were lost off the coast of Japan while performing their duty in the service of our country March 22, 1957."

Whatever a person's goal or interest may be, the staff at the library is dedicated to helping find the proper resources necessary to meet a person's objective.

"We want people to know about the numerous resources at their disposal," Ludwig said. "From children's books to academic journals, there are dedicated workers here that are happy to help people find what they are looking for."

According to their website, the library contains numerous DVDs and audio books available for checkout. Instead of paying to rent a movie, library cardholders can check out up to five DVDs at a time for a week at no cost. Audio books can also be checked out for up to three weeks at a time.

If college research is the goal, the library offers a wide range of online research databases that provide easy access to thousands of periodicals, newspapers, abstracts and encyclopedias. They also provide access to EbscoHost which offers countless eBooks, eJournals and eAudiobooks which are accepted as references for most collegiate papers. Also, library card holders can actually access EbscoHost remotely from their home with a computer and internet connection.

"The Air Force and Air Mobility Command have purchased a variety of online services, databases and electronic periodical subscriptions for the Travis community," Ludwig said. "The library resources online far exceed the numerous items we actually have on hand."

They also offer DANTES, CLEP, SAT, ACT, GED, ASVAB and AFOQT study materials to help a student prepare for his or her upcoming test. These study guides can be checked out for a maximum of six weeks at a time, according to their website.

During the summer months, the staff at the library will be hosting numerous events for members of Team Travis.

For the young Golden Bears who range between pre-kindergarten and fifth grade, the third annual Books on Base literacy program will launch June 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

"This will be a great event for the children of Travis," Ludwig said. "The children who attend will participate in stories, arts-and-crafts and snacks. Prizes will be given out as well as a free brook to those who attend."

The summer reading program, "Paws to Read!" kicks off June 16 and is available for all members of Travis, from children to adults. The library will host a variety of free activities that encourage and support a love of reading. Participants can also win prizes for reaching their reading goals. Registration begins June 9.

"Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss for children," Ludwig said. "Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperform those who don't. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests. Seeing the enthusiasm of young children when they visit the library is contagious. It definitely makes our jobs of providing community service worthwhile."

For more information on summer reading programs or services available at the Mitchell Memorial Library, visit their website at www.mitchellmemoriallibrary.org or call 424-3279.