LIBRARY NEWS - MAY 2016
What's happening at your public library?
“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”     ― Walter Cronkite      
SERVING SENIORS
If you've visited a Seniors Center in Dothan/Houston County recently, you may have seen the DHCLS Bookmobile staff schlepping some bulging blue bags of books in and out. This is our NEW Seniors Sharing Book Program which regularly rotates book collections between institutions and makes sure our community's Seniors who can't get to the library regularly have fresh and interesting titles to choose from. Keep those book donations coming. Some will end up really making a Senior's day.
NEW "Subject in A Box" Kits
Make Learning Fun for Kids 
Looking for a convenient and hands-on approach to learning a new subject and increasing early literacy skills?  DHCLS’ new Subject in a Box kits are here. Our new kits will give parents, caregivers, and teachers the resources needed to engage with children the fun way, which will directly impact school preparedness and life long learning. Each kit will be thematic and will incorporate a variety of materials such as books, DVDs, CDs, board games, toys, flashcards, and crafts. Any DHCLS cardholder can check out up to 2 kits at a time and can be kept for 3 weeks (no renewals).

This service is funded with help from the  Alabama Public Library Service and the Friends of the Dothan Houston County Library System. 
Helping with Low-Income Tax Prep 
A "Libraries Transform" Story
Through the Library’s partnership with AARP, qualifying patrons had access to tax preparation assistance this tax season. The staff of the AARP Tax Aide program provided free tax preparation to over 200 residents of Dothan this year, assisting seniors and those with low to moderate income. Besides saving money on tax fees, the staff of Tax Aide helped filers navigate the paperwork for state and federal taxes, offering peace of mind to the overwhelmed. For the volunteers, this relief was the greatest reward for their work.

DHCLS' Strategy for the Future
2015-2020
In Dec 2015, the DHCLS Board of Trustees voted on an organizational vision for your Public Library's future. 6 main strategic goals were identified:

Goal 1 - Reading is Fundamental
Goal 2 - Access to Technology
Goal 3 - Comfortable Spaces
Goal 4 - Supporting Students 
Goal 5 - Children’s Programs
Goal 6 - Organizational Structure

Access the complete plan on our website.
Enabling Aviation Careers
A "Young Eagles" Initiative
The Wiregrass Region has a strong aviation enthusiast community. When we were approached by representatives of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1358 who wanted to donate some funds to acquire some recommended materials that might get young people interested in an aviation career, we jumped at the chance. The project also gave us an opportunity to redesign our memorial book plate. If you or your organization would like to give a specific bequest for certain types of materials for us to purchase, please email us at dhcls@dhcls.org with a proposal.  
Downloading Free e-Music
Do you know Freegal?
The Freegal® service is a completely free and legal way to access a collection of almost 7 million songs via your local library with a valid library card. It includes many of today’s top artists, a fantastic retrospective collection, and music from around the world. Join the millions of people around the world getting access to great music courtesy of their local library.

Learn more HERE.
2016 DHCLS Summer Learning Challenge
On Your Mark, Get Set...READ!
Mark your calendars. Registration for the 2016 DHCLS Summer Learning Challenge begins on May 31st. Information on prizes and how to participate will be up on our website soon. Don't let your kids fall behind in September. Keep them reading and learning while school is out of session. Adults can even participate as well to set a good example. There is still time to donate to and/or sponsor this important program as well. Click HERE to learn more about supporting Summer Learning. 
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