Schools have just reopened, and we’re looking ahead to what that might mean for the library. Those of you who are parents are likely looking forward to some peace and quiet around the house (or maybe not—lots of kids will be learning at home this fall). I expect more demand for study rooms, internet access, and reference help, not to mention increased circulation for children’s nonfiction. Fear not! Curbside pickup continues, and we are still letting people into the building by reservation.
As I’m sure you know, Homer Public Library went fine-free at the end of July, and staff have spent much of August updating our patron records to clear outstanding fines. We’re looking forward to never having to deal with them again! This is part of a larger trend sweeping the state—just since July, public libraries in Kodiak, Fairbanks, Juneau and Soldotna have also gone fine-free.
The Summer Reading Program wrapped up on August 15. It’s been a strange year in many ways, but the enthusiasm for reading and activities is still there. Kudos to all the kids who completed the reading challenges! We have T-shirts available as prizes, which we’re handing out through curbside pickup.
We said goodbye to Bill Noomah, one of our highly-valued employees, who is moving on to take a job with Project Grad. Bill worked at HPL for about a year and a half, providing lots of brilliant information to the public with his trademark thoroughness and good humor. He will be missed, but we wish him all the best!
Masks and reservations are required. Call 235-3180 to schedule a reservation.
The Friends of the Library book sale will take place Sept. 12 and 13, from noon to 4pm, in the front lobby of the library. Admission is by reservation only. You can make a reservation by contacting the library's front desk at 907-235-3180 or circ@ci.homer.ak.us.
Please wear a mask if you have one. If you don't, we can give you one for free!
September will be the final month of operation for the bookmobile in 2020.
BOB the Bookmobile will be open on Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be parked in the Library Parking Lot.During these trying times, masks are required.Homeschoolers welcome! :)
While we focus on distributing free books for children and young adults, we also have lots of lovely free books for adults as well. Stop by and see what we have.
Have a small child or a baby on the way? We have free copies of Ann Keffer and Lyn Naden's beautiful Homer ABC books to hand out to every patron (get a jump on that upcoming baby shower gift basket!)
Come by the library and take a stroll through the newly renovated Story Walk. The Story Walk was funded through a grant from the KLEP Fund of the Homer Foundation.
COME WALK A STORY! Bring your whole family to the library’s trail, read and interact with a new, fun picture book posted along our storywalk each month. Here are this summer’s titles, which people of all ages will enjoy:
September: Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins
This nonfiction picture book explains how animals use their eyes to take in information about their world. Steve Jenkin’s beautiful illustrations accompany a text explaining how animals over the last billion years have evolved a wide variety of eyes as well as a wide variety of how to use them. The illustrations alone are worth viewing. I learned a lot of new, surprising information from this book, which will appeal to all ages.
