The Lennox Community Library is getting ready to celebrate National Library Week, which runs from April 23rd through April 29th. This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story,” emphasizing how libraries are not just about books, but are dynamic community centers that offer programming, technology, and other resources to meet the diverse needs and interests of patrons. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, and more.
Audrea Buller, the Lennox Community Library Director, is encouraging everyone to stop by the library’s open house on Thursday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help celebrate National Library Week. Attendees can enjoy coffee and cookies while discovering what’s new at the library and sign up for door prizes throughout the day.
Buller said they are excited to showcase all of the services and resources that the library offers.
Some of the most popular books currently being borrowed from the library include those by Colleen Hoover for adults, the Mo Willems’ books about Pigeon, Piggy, and Elephant for children, and graphic novels for intermediate kids.
With a wide variety of books and features, the Lennox Community Library truly offers something for everyone.
“We have added an early childhood area after we lost the elementary kids to their own library area in the elementary school. It has been a great success with moms that come in with very young children,” said Buller. “ We have things for them to explore with such as a play kitchen area, a grocery stand area and a market stand. We are also building blocks along with jumbo legos, puzzles to learn colors, numbers and the alphabet with, and of course lots of different books to read and look at.”
In addition to physical resources, the library also offers digital resources and online collections. Recently, the library’s digital library collection went through an update and is now Libby, replacing Overdrive.
“You may use the Libby app to read or listen to 1,000s of books/audio books that are available for free with your library card,” said Buller. “If you want more information please contact us at the library and we’d be happy to show how to log in and use all of the features.”
The library also has a key role in promoting literacy in the community. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages parents to register their children and track the books they read. For every 100 books read, families can document their journey by taking a picture with a sign showing the number of books read and receiving stickers. Once the family reaches 1,000 books, they receive a certificate and a t-shirt.
For children and families, the library offers story time during the school year for young preschool-aged kids, and a full line-up of activities in the summer, running from the beginning of June to the end of July. During the school year they also offer different programs including Lego Building Clubs and Robotics.
The non-fiction section of the Community Library has also been expanded to include easier to read/understand books on a variety of topics. And the fiction area for this age group includes the Little Spot collection to help children understand feelings, emotions, and how to deal with them.
Buller points out that the library’s most interesting and unique item is the new State Park Passes that patrons can check out for three days.
“The state worked with the State Game Fish & Parks Department to offer these to libraries throughout the state so that patrons can visit a state park in the area,” said Buller. She is excited to have this additional perk for patrons.
The library in Lennox has roots dating back to 1931. In 1941 the City of Lennox passed a tax levy to help support the establishment of a free public library which was named the Ashley Memorial Library, in honor of Mrs. O.P. Ashley, who taught in the first permanent school in Lennox for 21 years. The Lennox Library has been located on the corner of Third Ave and Main, and First Avenue and Main. The Library moved into its currently location, 208 West 5th Avenue, in April of 2006.
The Lennox Community Library also serves the Lennox School District, which includes the communities of Lennox, Chancellor, and Worthing. Library services are provided free of charge to all patrons.
Buller encourages everyone to visit the Lennox Community Library during National Library Week and discover all the resources they have to offer.
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