Sunday, October 12, 2014
The Library of the Month is a celebration of Wisconsin libraries compiled by the BadgerLink team.
Eager Free Public Library plays an important role in Evansville’s lifelong learning by granting users access to learning opportunities through timely programming and productive partnerships.
New in 2014, adult patrons were offered incentives for participating in the Summer Reading Program. Not only did participants enjoy the perks of reading, but also became aware of other programs at the library. “Summer reading was a great success, and we plan to offer the incentive program again next year” said library director Megan Kloeckner.
As overall library attendance grows, the Evansville community has quickly discovered their library contains more than just books. The library is also a purveyor of information, which in the modern world means providing access to technology. Public computers, Wi-Fi, computer training, and access to databases such as Reference USA, Mango Languages, Ancestry.com, and those offered through BadgerLink, are just a sampling of resources patrons use for school assignments, job searching, and independent learning. Centralizing these services through a library is a cost-effective way to provide equitable access across a large user group.
In addition to supporting literacy and technology, a recent partnership with the Grove Society has introduced new educational programming to the library. Working collaboratively with the library’s Genealogy Group, the Society has provided training on Ancestry.com and other genealogy resources in BadgerLink. Recent events using historical information gathered at the library include Fashion in the 19th Century and Civil War Medicine. And on any given day, members of the group can be seen in the historic building’s local history room; sharing notes, offering valuable assistance to one another, or planning for the next event. The Genealogy Group honors the past and embraces the future!
These programs fill multiple needs in the community by providing education, entertainment, and a space for adults to learn together. Patrons with similar interests can network together in the Book-to-Movie Book Club, Adult Writing Group, or the Genealogy Group. Plus, the library sponsors author visits and many other programs geared towards a range of ages. The Eager Free Public Library opens doors for curious minds by encouraging literacy, inspiring learning, and connecting the community.