Library’s core still books, but offers much more

Pahrump Community Library’s Brenda Gibbons is reminding residents that there’s much more than just reading materials offered.

Gibbons’ suggestion comes as National Library Card Sign-up Month is now underway.

The process to obtain a card she said, is simple.

“All you will need is a picture identification card and something with your current mailing address or a rent receipt or bill,” she said. “There is no fee to get a library card, but if you lose your library card we will charge $1 for a replacement.”

As Pahrump routinely has seasonal visitors, Gibbons said “snowbirds,” can also have access to the library.

“We also offer what’s known as snowbird library cards and they are $25 for the time that they are here,” she said. “They do get a portion of that back when they leave. It gives them all of the library privileges that everyone else has. A lot of times, people are here for just a few months and they want to check books out, but if they don’t have a card, we can’t allow them to check the books out.”

Children and parents are frequent visitors to Pahrump’s library.

Gibbons urged parents to apply for a card for their kids.

“We made up a special sticker that the children will get when they get a library card for the first time,” she said. “You can even get a library card for your infant. I really recommend that parents start reading to their children when they are infants.”

At present, more than 300 library cards are issued each month.

Gibbons noted that many patrons use the library for other activities beyond just checking out books, as numerous community clubs and organizations regularly use the venue as a meeting place.

“We now have a Lego Club, which is really going great,” she said. “We also have a man who teaches the Italian language,” she said. “Every Wednesday we have our Knit Wits Club for people who like to come in and knit or crochet. They sit, visit, socialize, and have a good time.”

The library is hosting its popular Favorite Authors Book Club next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., which provides for a lively discussion among participants.

Later this month, Gibbons said another popular activity returns to the library.

“From Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, we will have our Banned Book Week and it’s become quite a big thing here and throughout the United States,” she said. “It is surprising sometimes what kind of books are on the banned book list. Even Harry Potter has been on the banned book list. Anyone can go online and find all kinds of titles for Banned Book Week.”

To provide such services, Gibbons said the library is supported by Pahrump’s Friends of the Library organization.

“They also give generously to the children’s summer reading program, which helps so much,” she said. “They also help us with things like copy machines or other things we have to provide for, like the internet. When we have something that’s rather expensive that we need, we go to them and ask and if they have the money and they will help us out. They are also looking for new members all of the time.”

Next month the library will host its annual Winter Reading Program each Wednesday.

“It will be starting October 19, and we will have three classes every Wednesday for the children,” she said. “We also have our ancestry, genealogical and free computer instruction classes each Wednesday at 1 p.m.”

The Pahrump Community Library also stocks hundreds of popular DVD motion pictures and CD music titles that patrons can check out daily.

For more information on Pahrump Community Library clubs and activities, call 775 727-5930.

The library is located at 701 East St.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com