by Sara Karashin
Since its reopening in 2015, the Fairmount Community Library’s unofficial motto has been “More Than Just Books” and that statement has never been more true than it is now. While the lounge has just been updated with new bookshelves and the card cataloguing process continues with new children’s picture and chapter books, anyone who stops in will hopefully agree that there is more to find at the library than literature.

While the library still offers a complimentary coffee and tea bar, free wifi, and free book rental, the volunteers are constantly working to add features, programs and amenities to make the library experience even better.  Free cold water, wireless color printing (for a small fee), 2 chromebooks and desktop computer are now available and they are both a Pokémon GO Gym and Stop. Be sure to stop in, cool down, power up, and fuel up at the library!

In addition, be sure to keep an eye out because even more changes are in the works! They are continuing  to catalogue their inventory of more than 5,000 books: when complete, you will be able to search their catalogue system for available books from the comfort of your home. Everyone at the library is incredibly excited to announce that they have received a grant for a 3D printer and will be offering courses as well as printing opportunities to the public by next year.  And their most noticeable change will come this fall when the the library exterior gets a new coat of paint!

The library is completely volunteer-run and is always looking for new volunteers! Whether you would like to help with cataloguing, special projects like painting the library, or to cover a shift once in a while to keep their doors open to visitors, they would love to hear from you! The library can receive all of the grants and funding in the world, but without their volunteers their doors would remain closed. They are also always taking donations of good condition children’s books, and monetary donations can be made through their PayPal link located on their website or by shopping through www.smile.amazaon.com and choosing the FCL as your recipient.

While their marvelously fun summer programs like Yoga for Adults and Kids and the Mad Scientist Summer Camp have drawn to a close, there are still lots of wonderful free or donation-based programs coming up:

• Children’s Story and Craft Hour: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday 11 a.m. – FREE
• Scrabble Club: Every 1st Saturday at 4 p.m. – FREE
• Music & Movement with Russell Jack: Every 2nd Saturday 11 a.m. – FREE
• Poetry Night: Every 3rd Sunday at 7 p.m. – FREE

Sensory Saturday for Toddlers: Every 4th Saturday at 11 a.m. FREE
The Fairmount Community Library is located at 1310 W. Allen Ave 76110 and is open WF 3-5 p.m., TTh 3-7 p.m., and Sat 10-4 p.m. More information can be found at www.fairmountcommunitylibraryfw.org and on their Facebook page: Fairmount Community Library.