The unsung hero of the base Published Aug. 2, 2016 By Airman First Class Stuart Bright 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- With nearly 41,000 books and resources, the Barksdale Air Force Base Library is here for the convenience of service members and their families. “The mission of the library is three-fold,” said Fran Morris, the library director. “We support the Air Force mission, academics and the quality of life needs.” The library provides preparation materials for Airmen in pursuit of their Community College of the Air Force degree. “We have online resources to include CLEPS/DANTES studying material and practice tests to assist Airmen with their college academics,” said Morris. Beyond advancement in your career or education, the library offers an escape from reality with fictional literature for all ages. “We have McNaughton book services, which allows us to have the most current materials,” said Morris. “After a year, if a book has circulated I can retain it, if not I can send it back when I get new ones.” The library also contributes to the Air Force mission by providing resources to base units. “Through our Office Collection Program, units on base can request mission-critical material,” said Morris. “For example, if the contracting unit needs to have current legal rules to enable them to generate a contract and put it into effect, they would submit a request to us in order to receive the most up to date documents.” With an abundance of books, audio books, DVDs, video games, computers and computer programs, the library is sure to have what everyone is looking for. “Having government computer access while I am on leave is very helpful to me,” said Army Sergeant First Class Kendrick Daniels, a motor transport operator currently stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. “I’m able to keep up with my emails and unit while my children have Wi-Fi to entertain them.” As knowledge is power, the library has the tools to set up Airmen and their families for success. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and holidays. For more information, call 318-456-4101 or go to http://www.barksdaleservices.com.