Your library reaching out

by Tanise Lavering, Bookmobile Supervisor, and Nicholle Gerharter, Reference Librarian
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:36 PM MDT

Most Natrona County readers are familiar with the main library in the heart of downtown Casper. That facility has served several generations of library users; more than 1,000 visitors on average now visit the building each day.

The library also exists outside of these walls, however, serving members of the entire county in colorful, personalized and close-to-home ways. In library lingo, we call that “outreach.”

“Colorful” is a word often used to describe the Bookmobile, which is just over 4 years old. It stops at many locations throughout the county, bringing books, movies, audio books and magazines to those who wish to stay close to home.

During the summer, the Bookmobile makes 35 stops on a two-week rotation. Many people are unaware that the Bookmobile stops in Alcova, Bar Nunn, Powder River, north Casper and Evansville, including dozens of stops around Casper. Now that’s outreach!

To find a location near you, please visit www.natronacountylibrary.org/bookmobile.php, or call the library at 577-READ, ext. 102.

When you see the Bookmobile with Casper Mountain on it rolling down the street, complete with yuccas, brands and a globe, you’ll know that the vehicle is providing service outside of the library’s walls.

Providing personalized service to visitors is a philosophy that the library staff strives to uphold each day. Whether we are helping you to find your ancestors, to narrow down just the right summer read, to retile your bathroom or to enrich the minds of your children, we are dedicated to individual service.

For those who are unable to visit the library, our service ethic remains strong. Any Natrona County resident who is unable to visit the library due to a physical or mental impairment, and their caregivers, are eligible to participate in NCPL’s Books By Mail program.

Books By Mail participants receive library materials in sturdy bags, mailed directly to their homes. The library pays for all postage, and participants are encouraged to request any library material, including movies, magazines, books and audio books. Outreach indeed!

To sign up for Books By Mail, please contact Nicholle Gerharter at 577-READ, ext. 2.

Two branch libraries also provide outreach service to other municipalities in Natrona County. The Bob Goff Memorial Library in Mills is the perfect place to take beginning readers, as it has an early literacy, family-friendly focus.

Children will enjoy the colors, reading stations and abundance of books right at their level. Internet stations and a selection of popular materials make adult visitors happy as well.

In Midwest/Edgerton, readers visit the Mark J. Davis branch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. With a refreshed collection of materials, including the most popular books and DVDs, the library’s reach easily covers the 43 miles from Casper to Edgerton.

With such great outreach, there is no reason to be without reading, listening and viewing material this summer. Check out one or all of the versions of your Natrona County Public Library this summer!

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