Countless resources can be found at Malmstrom's library

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom Air Force Base's library offers an abundance of educational and mission-related resources for those who wish to advance their learning.

Included in the 30,000 books, DVDs and CDs, the library provides study resources for CLEP, DSST, ASVAB, AFOQT and many other academic tests.

"In one form or another, the library has study materials for every CLEP and DSST available," said Ingrid Callahan, 341st Force Support Squadron force development flight chief. "Study materials are available on print, CD and DVD. Airmen can go to the gym, jump on a treadmill and listen to anything from eBooks to foreign languages, or prepare for a test."

The library also provides a wide range of databases and classes for Airmen when they're not at the library.

"Each month we feature a database and try to promote it," said Dixie Paronto, 341st FSS library director. "For example, last month we featured Universal Class, which is all online. Although college credits cannot be earned, it certainly can help if an individual wants to brush up on a subject or learn something new. There are more than 500 classes that range in anything from mathematics to gardening. The important thing to remember is that all Airmen have to do is come to the library and sign up for a database, and then they will get the username and password. Once they receive the username and password, they can use that database outside of the library at their own leisure."

The library also offers a variety of programs for those interested in learning a foreign language.

"Transparent Language is a program that is similar to Rosetta Stone but offers twice as many languages," Paronto said. "Mango Languages is another program we offer and it provides a conversational approach to learning."

The library also allows Airmen the opportunity to study during their lunch hour in the conference room with computers readily available.

"Many Airmen take advantage of the 15 computers for researching, testing and personal use, and by the end of spring we will have 10 more," Paronto said.
While education may be on the mind of some when they enter the library, it isn't the only thing the library offers to its customers.

"Many individuals come here after work, bring their children and will work on a project or homework while their children play in the child safe room here," Paronto added. "We also provide story time for children including Family Child Care that takes place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month."

Callahan and Paronto encourage Malmstrom Airmen to take advantage of the library and all of the resources available at no expense.

"The most important thing to understand is that the library is not just for entertainment value or reading novels; it is mission and education related and is here to help individuals in their job on a day-to- day basis," Callahan said. "There's information here that Airmen won't find at a public library."

The library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5:30
p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.