Eielson urges community to help library move

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. William Farrow
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Although National Library Week ends today, there is still an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries, librarians and library workers and to promote library use by volunteering time to help relocate Eielson's library.

Due to the upcoming razing of the facility to make way for the new base exchange, books, shelves, computers and other equipment must be moved to the temporary location at the base community center.

Library operations will end April 21 until the library re-opens May 7 at Eielson's community center.

Helping reduce the number of books on the shelves to make the library move easier, 354th Services Squadron librarian said people are encouraged to check out books until closing at 6 p.m. Saturday.

"If anyone wants to come over and check out books or DVDs, then come on over and help us out," said Cathy Rasmussen, 354th SVS librarian.

"We just ask that you do not return any materials that you may have checked out until the library re-opens May 7," she said.

Everyday, libraries in big cities and small towns, colleges and universities, in schools and in businesses help transform communities and Maj. Alex Garcia, 354th SVS commander said Eielson's library here is no different.

"It's a part of our community here at Eielson," he said. "Our library customers participate in special library programs, perform research with the assistance of a trained professional, find homework help or check out books and other media for pleasure."

He said library staff has been working hard to make the move happen smoothly, however, he said moving a library from one location to another is a huge logistical undertaking and he hopes the Iceman Team can step up and help with the task.

"We make it easy--you pick the day, time, and how much time you can volunteer and we will set it up-- individuals, groups, and families welcome," Major Garcia said.

People or organizations interested in being part of the community project to move books and shelves to the community center can contact Master Sgt. Earnest Kincade at 377-3768 to schedule a time.