An open book, a world of knowledge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Perras
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  In an ever-changing society of technology where information is readily available in almost any format, keeping up with advancements can often prove to be a challenge.

For the base library staff, the challenge has been readily accepted in order to stray away from the image that a library is simply a building filled with old books.

"Libraries are changing, just like all forms of information and technology, so we're right up there with it," said Marcia Lee, library director with the 354th Force Support Squadron. "We do check out books and we do reshelf books, but that's a minor part of what we do because information comes in so many forms now."

While Eielson's library has books, movies, television series and video games available, what many people do not know is that it offers a wide array of programs and educational resources. One such resource is Rosetta Stone, the language learning software. While the program can cost hundreds of dollars to purchase, the library offers it completely free to all members and their family.

But here's the hook: become a library member. The second hook? Well, there is no second hook; becoming a member comes at no cost as well. All Department of Defense cardholders can sign up.

"Nothing at the library has any cost," said Lee. "It's all for free."

Eielson has 115 slots available for Rosetta Stone - the same amount as bases twice Eielson's size.

And if anyone misses out on one of those slots, the library offers the language program Transparent Language in addition to Rosetta Stone. Both are available for use at the library, but even better is the accessibility from a personal computer at any time, 24/7, after sign-up, Lee said.

College Level Examination Program and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support resources are also offered through the library. A program called Pass Your Class, an online set of study guides for CLEP and DANTES, is available to help Airmen prepare to take their tests.

Additional educational help can be found through Universal Class, an online tutoring program available for school-age through college level courses.

While the technology portion is a perk, the library still offers the old-fashioned feel with reading clubs, which are held once a month. And if one does not like that idea, members now also have the opportunity to participate in a "Nook night," Lee said.

A new inventory of 15 Nooks was just brought in, and the library will bring in staff from the Fairbanks Barnes and Noble book store to help people learn how to better utilize e-reading.

"We take any chance we can to get information and knowledge out to the people," said Lee.

Airmen are encouraged to volunteer to read at the library during programs such as "Guy's Read," offered Feb. 25 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

"It's a great time to be a mentor to a young boy whose father might be deployed," Lee said. "It allows Airmen to lend a hand and show younger boys how to have fun in a positive way."

A tentative move for the library slated for the summer will see the facility nearly triple in size. This will be a huge improvement in order to create a central community library, Lee said.

As technology improves and brings advances in learning and accessibility, the base library will be right in step, ensuring Airman have the newest resources at their disposal.

For more information, contact the base library at 377-3174 or log on to the Web site at www.EielsonAFBLibrary.org.