BATTLE MOUNTAIN - The Battle Mountain Branch of the Elko, Lander and Eureka library system attracted seven to 10 kids during each day of its Dig Into Reading program that was held at the library July 8 - 12.
The library hosts a different summer program each year and this one was focused on archeology, Librarian Rosemary Fuller said. Each day, an adult read to the kids and some of the older children read aloud as well and then they all did craft projects.
The program was held for one hour each day before the library opened and kids ages 6 to 11 attended. The event was organized by Eula Freeman, a library volunteer who read to the kids on the first two days, said Fuller, who has worked at the library for 25 years and served as librarian for 10 years. Part-time librarian Clara Hamilton also pitched in to help and read to the kids the last three days.
As part of the program, the kids were given free T-shirts and prizes, Fuller added.
"They had a good time," she said.
In addition to books, the library has a variety of other resources, including movies, audio books and computers. There are seven public computers with access to the Internet. No appointments are necessary and people can just walk in and use them for free during the hours the library is open.
Fuller said that if the library does not have an item that a person requests, she can usually order it from another library through the trading system.
Fuller encouraged people to come out and take advantage of all the library has to offer.
"It is just a fun thing to do in the summer when kids get bored," she said.
Also at the library is a huge display of memorabilia from the U.S.S. Lander, a World War II ship named after Lander County. As sailors from the ship pass her name around, Fuller said more historic items continue to arrive.
The collection includes a World War II Japanese Arisaka rifle that was brought aboard the ship, sailor memoirs, a copy of the official war map, letters a sailor sent home from the ship, pieces of a downed Japanese airplane, personal photos and a history of the ship written by the captain. Some old timers that served on the ship have stopped by the library to check out the collection, Fuller said.
The U.S.S. Lander launched in November of 1944. It was a Haskell-class attack transport. Its tasks were to deliver troops to the battle front and recover and care for the wounded. It also transported prisoners of war.
It served in the Pacific Ocean and returned home post-war with two battle stars. In September of 1983, it was disposed of by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Library hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.[[In-content Ad]]
