Rediscover the base library Published Sept. 17, 2009 By Linda Paronto 341st Force Support Squadron Librarian MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- If you haven't visited a library lately because it is outdated and full of nothing but books, you need to visit us soon. The Arden G. Hill Library is much more than books. Here's a quick tour: We have 16 computers available, including two in the teen/homework center and one wireless. All library computers are connected to a regular and a color printer, and to scanners. Two are located in the children's area, loaded with paint and educational games. There is one base LAN computer, and seven commercial computers have CAC readers. Wireless is available throughout the library and even just outside the library! Many databases are available, including access to periodical databases, journals and newspapers. Check out the Air Force Times or even your own hometown paper. Other on-line resources include information on health, auto repair, home improvement and hobbies/crafts. How about free movies? We have a large selection of entertaining, educational, instructional and travel DVDs and VHS. You can check out up to seven for seven days. We also have audio books in CD or on-line, cassettes, and the newest format, playaways, for checkout. Yes, there are books, too! In fact, the library has over 40,000 print materials for all ages, active duty, retired, families, students, serious readers and the just-for-fun reader. If needed, we can get almost anything through inter-library loan. Don't forget our Graphic Novel/Manga Collection. The library has special collections and resources for the military member and family, with books and materials on deployment, moving, finances and the military lifestyle. For those just passing through or who don't want to use their library account, we have several exchange programs, including paperbacks, magazines, and travel maps. You don't have to "exchange" anything. Leave what you'd like; take what you want. Programming at the library is virtually limitless. Pre-school story time is Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; dial-a-story can be reached 24/7 at 731-4640; the summer reading program is seven weeks long for ages 2 - 12; teen programs include Mystery Night, Tech Week and Teens Read; information technology courses include everything from how to use the Internet, blogging, Photo Shop and gaming to designing your own Web page. Our next class is in November, "Holiday Cards On-Line." The Library has study materials for your education needs. We have the new homework center. CLEP, DANTES and other testing study materials are available in books, DVD, iPods and internet databases. We even have a new home-schooling collection. Sign up to learn a new language with Rosetta Stone online. Coming soon is a recording studio! The Airmen and Family Readiness Center in conjunction with the library is providing deploying members an opportunity to record themselves reading to their children. The recorded disc and book will be given to the children to listen to while the parent is gone. Also, families will be able to record video-letters. Stop in at the library to learn how to connect to your information source. We even provide faxing, copying and printing services for a nominal fee. Our hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open all Family Days regular hours Closed Sundays and all Federal Holidays Or: www.341FSS.com/library E-Mail: malmstromlibrary@yahoo.com Phone: 731-4638 DSN: 632-4638