Reading, learning, growing with Holbrook library

  • Published
  • By Airman Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  When people think about libraries, they sometimes visualize a building storing thousands of books.

However, the Holbrook Library at Ellsworth provides active-duty members, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, family members and students a wide assortment of resources.

"I think some people still have the mindset that all we do is basically check books in and out," said Susan Heffelfinger, 28th Force Support Squadron Holbrook Library technician. "We offer much more than that."

Programs facilitated and run by Holbrook include Little Warriors Story Time, Family Advocacy "Luncheon Learn" book club and the Parents Support Play Group.

"The support group is designed to enhance positive interaction among parent, child and siblings, and promotes socialization outside the family unit," said Wanda Greene, 28th FSS Holbrook Library technician.

The technicians added the Safariland playroom is the perfect setting for kids to learn and have fun.

"Most story times are the start of basic reading literacy," Heffelfinger said. "That's usually the goal [of the program]. It will help them in the future when laying down that learning foundation."

These programs also allow individuals new to parenting to network and build comradery.

On top of all the programs, the library is still in the information resource business.

The four technicians catalog approximately 44,000 books, magazines and newspapers - plus 1,200 DVDs, which constantly circulate, but the process is more in depth than scanning a barcode.

Each catalogued item must be marked with an identification number, the creator's name, title abbreviation and subject terms that describe resources connected.

The library also supports students in their studies by compiling research books upon request, enabling scholars to save more time to write papers.

Other assets individuals can acquire through Holbrook are equivalency tests, which place children of relocating military families in corresponding grade levels overseas, and providing testing modules for students taking online courses.

Whether looking for a good book to read, finding research information or searching ideas to increase a child's reading level, the Holbrook Library is there to lend a helping hand.

For more information about these and other library programs, call (605) 385-1688.