Patrick AFB, Fla. -- When I thought of a library I thought of a small, quiet place with dusty old books that is not exactly up to "21st Century" standards - much like you see in the "Library" episode in Seinfeld. Then I visited the library here on base - and saw how wrong I was.
The Patrick Library has more resources to offer for a young Airman like myself than any other place I have visited recently.
In addition to a large selection of written works, the library offers a huge selection of the latest movies and audio-books for any of us to check-out. But that's not the half of it.
I recently received orders which require me to transition to a new career field and I found that the library offers access to the Gale's Career Transitions Online Career Guidance Center. This database employs a step-by-step approach to help people identify career options, assess their interests, provide tools to improve prospects (networking/education) and helps prepare you for a new duty position.
While I was there, and this is still during my first visit, I met an Airman First Class who was studying for his CLEP/Dante's exams. He was accessing websites funded through the library that offer study resources and practice tests for a variety of CLEP and Dante's exams. The site also includes preparation resources for the ASVAB, the AFOQT, the Military Flight Aptitude Test, as well as the SAT's, ACT's, GED's, GMAT's, LSAT's, Nursing and EMT exams.
"We have so much more to offer than the "traditional" library resources people imagine," said Ms. Marta Demopoulos, the Library Director here. "From personal and professional education assets to the latest hurricane preparedness video, we probably have whatever it is you are looking for information on so come by and check us out."
The library also recently acquired a web based interactive computer skills development program from Learning Express for anyone who may need to brush up on their computer skills. The self paced program includes tutorials for most major office applications, operating systems and design or studio applications.
"The library is not just for our Airmen, however" said Ms. Demopoulos. "We have numerous programs designed specifically for their families, like our "Pajama Club Story Time", which will be held on Sept. 16 at 6:15 p.m. This month's them is "Colors of the Rainbow". Also, our Story Time for Pre-school Children Program meets every Monday at 10 a.m. in the library conference room; this month's themes include "Grandparents" on Sept. 13, "Fall Stories" on Sept. 27, and "Tickle your Funny Bone Stories" on Sept. 27."
The library is located in building 722 and open Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit us online at
www.GoPatrickFL.com/Library or find us on facebook (search for
patrickafblibrary@yahoo.com).