JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Whether it’s reading the latest best-selling book, preparing
for an exam or story time for children, Joint Base San Antonio libraries are
the places JBSA members can go to learn, study or be entertained.
Active-duty service members, dependents, military retirees
and Department of Defense cardholders have access to 142,000 items of
resources, including books, audio books, DVDs, video games, children’s books,
e-readers, magazines and newspapers at libraries at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston,
JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Lackland, said Jennifer Robertson, 802nd Force Support
Squadron lead librarian.
“The JBSA libraries provide a variety of resources in a
safe, supportive environment for our community to pursue their own personal and
educational needs,” Robertson said.
JBSA libraries provide computers with Internet and Wi-Fi
access, community rooms, study rooms and children’s areas. Community rooms at
each library can be reserved for gatherings and meetings for free.
JBSA library users can set up an account to checkout
materials and resources in person or online.
With a library account, users have access to eResources. The
online database includes eBooks, eAudio, family and local histories, practice
tests for college admission, skill-building courses, videos, music, repair
manuals, encyclopedias, reference materials and online periodicals. The
database is located at http://www.jbsalibraries.org.
By having an account, Robertson said active-duty service
members and JBSA members can access library materials from anywhere in the
world, whether they are at a duty station, being deployed or on temporary duty.
JBSA libraries are part of the General Library Information System, which is
connected to 70 libraries around the world.
Through an agreement with Bexar County that started in
December, JBSA library users can access resources through BiblioTech, the
county’s digital library.
These resources include Fold3, Hoopla, 3M Cloud Library,
Comics Plus, Lynda and the ability to self-publish books. Included in the partnership with BiblioTech
is a Discovery Terminal for browsing materials and 50 tablet computers
available for checkout at each JBSA library location.
Robertson said JBSA libraries have programs geared towards
adults and children, including a new seven-week nutrition class, “New Year! New
You!,” at the JBSA-Randolph Library being taught by a member of the Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension Service Food and Nutrition Program. The nutrition
class is being provided through BiblioTech.
Children’s programs include Storytime, held at each JBSA
library location once a week. Storytime includes books, songs, rhymes and
movement activities that engage children and their parents, Robertson
said.
Tiara Safic-Martin, JBSA-Randolph Library aide and Storytime
coordinator, said the Storytime activities help bring children and parents from
the JBSA-Randolph community together.
“It’s a bonding experience for the parents with their kids
and other parents,” Safic-Martin said.
Additional programs for elementary and middle school aged
children offered by JBSA libraries include Traveling MakerSpace. Robertson said
Traveling MakerSpace activities teach and help children learn about science,
technology, engineering and math through the use of legos, robots and circuits.
Victoria Hart, 802nd FSS supervisory branch librarian for
JBSA-Randolph and Lackland libraries, said JBSA libraries provide accessible
resources, information and activities to the JBSA community.
“There’s something for everybody at the library,” Hart said.
“They can find and check out the newest best seller to the current brand new
movies.”
Elizabeth Wood, a parent of three children, comes often to
the JBSA-Randolph Library.
“It’s nice because it is so small, but it has a huge
selection of books,” Wood said. “You get a little more personal attention for
the kids at activities like Storytime.”
Stephanie Kepley brought her 1-year old son to Storytime
Feb. 3 at the JBSA-Randolph Library. Kepley said story time gives her son the
opportunity to listen to stories, play with toys and do activities, including
crafts.
Kepley said she liked the way library volunteer Melanie
Torres read a book to the children.
“She’s really enthusiastic and gets the kids engaged,”
Kepley said.
Information on JBSA libraries, including hours, events and
activities, can be found at http://www.jbsalibraries.org. Library contact
numbers are JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 221-4387; JBSA-
Randolph at 652-2617/5578; and
JBSA-Lackland at 671-2678.