A Look at the Library
This National Library Week, we took a look at our own library at Taylor Glen.
It’s a beautiful space that’s chock full of the books that residents want to read – and it’s the library committee that makes sure of that.
The group of resident volunteers meets every other month to ensure the library runs smoothly, plan any necessary changes and select which new books to purchase for the space. They want the library to be useful, so always have a selection of popular titles, said Joyce Newton, the library committee chair.
Joyce stopped by the library on Wednesday to talk all things library. She said the library committee works together to make it a success. Her own background isn’t as a librarian, but she did plenty of reading as a first grade teacher. She used to read books to children all the time, always telling parents the importance of developing a lifelong love of reading. Over the years, she also volunteered as a church librarian, and so was happy to take on some of the responsibilities at Taylor Glen. She’s worked hard to help catalogue, sort and weed the books over the years.
The most popular types of books are mysteries and Christian fiction, Joyce said, with popular titles from James Patterson, David Baldacci, Karen Kingsbury and Tracie Peterson.
There is also a growing desire for large-print books, which takes up one entire wall of the library. Then there’s an oft-overlooked inventory: puzzles. Joyce said those are becoming quite popular, as she points out a whole shelf of them.
Not sure if the library has what you’re looking for? You can look up books in the Taylor Glen library catalogue on the computer set up in the space. Ralph Schurig programmed the database especially for the group.
Want to get more involved in the library? Stop by and check out a book. There’s a sign-out sheet right on the center table where you write down your name and which book you’re checking out. When you’re finished, return it by leaving it on the drop off table.
While Joyce was talking about the library, two new residents popped in to return a book. Chris Hanna moved in only three weeks ago and almost immediately made use of the library. She said she usually buys the books she wants to read, so she was thrilled to find a good selection to borrow for free.
Joyce is happy to help provide interesting books to the residents of Taylor Glen, because reading is such a wonderful activity, providing enjoyment and helping us learn from others.
“You always get a good feeling after reading what someone did, or the things that they have done, the problems they had and how they solved them,” she said. “It gives you something to do.”
