Librarians encourage people to turn off TVs, pick up book Published April 14, 2004 By Claire Dattilo 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) -- As National Library Week kicks off April 18, Air Force librarians are encouraging people to visit their base library for a refreshing change from another night of channel surfing. Libraries throughout the Air Force offer many programs for active-duty Airmen, retirees, spouses and children. Some programs libraries offer include story hours, introduction to computers, summer reading programs and research assistance.Recreational reading and school research were the top reasons people visit the library here, said Kimberly Barber, a reference librarian here. Airmen benefit in many ways from the services the library offers, she said. “For books, movies, music, e-mail to educational support, they can come to us, and we can direct them,” she said.The library provides educational support for those enrolled in school or looking to earn college-level credits through the College Level Examination Program.“With the big push on education by the Air Force, we give a tremendous amount of support to active-duty military and their educational goals,” said Faye Couture, Pope library director.Another benefit of the library reaches beyond the base gates. People can donate paperback books to the library to encourage deployed Airmen to read. The library staff here has sent hundreds of books to Airmen overseas and will continue to do so as long as books are donated. Parents who are separated from their children can also promote reading. “Many people come in and record their favorite stories and send their children the tapes,” Ms. Barber said.Whether it is academic, professional or just for fun, Air Force libraries have something for everyone, providing enough reasons to turn the television off and curl up with a good book.For more information on programs offered, contact your local base library.