Reading can be fun for grown-ups too

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Barksdale Library hosts their sixth annual free-to-read adult reading program from now until Feb. 28.

The program is an incentive program for ages 16 and older to encourage reading. Participants can sign up at the circulation desk. At the end of the program four winners will receive $50 gift cards from local bookstores.

The program started in 2003 when the library received a large supply of new materials, with inspiration from the children's national summer reading program.

"I came from a public library system where an adult reading program had already been in place," said Fran Morris, 2d Force Support Squadron library director. "Here at Barksdale, there was a great influx of new materials in 2003 and this program seemed to be an ideal way of showcasing our new titles as well as encouraging our adult patrons to read."

According to Mrs. Morris, the program couldn't come at a better time for Airmen and their families.

"Winter seems an ideal time to do this, since weather often keeps folks inside, and with the economy these days, people just aren't buying as many new books-as they used to-so we are seeing a lot more people checking out books," she said.

For patrons who do not have time to read, the library also offers a large selection of audio books and portable MP3 books called "playaways", which also count toward the program.

"It doesn't matter if they read fiction or non-fiction, if they read it or listen to it," said Mrs. Morris. "I just want to encourage our adult patrons to read by giving them this incentive."

For some library patrons, the program is something they look forward to each year.

"I look forward to the program because it gives me the opportunity to challenge myself and set a goal to increase the amount of books I read," said Jacqueline Robertson, 2d FSS training and curriculum specialist, and six time participant in the program. "The library director does a great job of letting me know when my favorite series have new releases which adds incentive for me to read more than I normally would."

For more information about the free to read adult reading program or to sign up, visit the base library's circulation desk or call 456-4101.