Photo By Lance Cpl. Katalynn M. Rodgers | Melissa Hansen, a library technician, shows Master Sgt. Frank Puebla, Support...... read more read more
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Depot personnel and their families have a place to slip away into uncharted lands and be introduced to people never imagined. Books have the uncanny ability to do just that. Owning a library card is like having a passport to the wonderful and unpredictable world of books.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has its own oasis of books waiting to take readers on an epic journey through their own imagination.
“Over 5,000 patrons, military and civilian, use the library each month,” said Dan Cisco, supervisory librarian, MCRD Library. “We do a lot of outreach and marketing to improve the usage of library services. Once our patrons discover the wide range of services we have, they refer their friends,” added Cisco.
According to Cisco, all branches of the service, their dependents, retirees, and Department of Defense civilians may utilize the library and all of their services.
The library has several state-of-the-art computers to help with research. All of the computers have printers and the latest software. They have wireless and high speed internet access. Patrons can easily search through databases on magazines, newspapers, journals and full-text articles.
They also provide items to help further education. Tools such as a large variety of language CD’s can be checked out and they have study guides for the ASVAB, CLEP, law enforcement and nursing.
“I utilize the library quite often,” said Pfc. Joshua Siler, Basic Marine Platoon, Support Battalion. “I use it to study my college classes and to download Marine Corps Institutes.”
While the library is used by studious individuals, it is also for the leisurely reader.
According to Cisco, the library has award-winning and best-selling novels, non-fiction books, biographies, travel guides and all the current titles on the Commandant’s Reading List.
According to Cisco if patrons can’t find books they crave, the library has ways to acquire the titles.
They can purchase the title from different vendors or check out a book from one of the 16 Marine Corps libraries they are linked to or through donations from Marines.
Other than books, the library offers over 2,500 movies of nearly every genre. Any of these DVDs can be checked out. If a customer doesn’t have a TV, they can use the library’s 55-inch flat screen TV.
“I’m here almost every day checking out movies,” said Steve Flores, a pipe fitter for facility maintenance. “I have checked out quite a few movies. I rent one, watch it, and bring it back.”
Libraries should be multiple formats, said Cisco. It goes way beyond books. We have puzzles and board games for families to challenge themselves.
Throughout the year the library holds different events to accommodate children and adults alike.
A children’s summer reading program begins June 15, and will be open to children from preschool to 12th grade.
According to Cisco these programs have been mandated by Headquarters Marine Corps and all Marine Corps Libraries offer the same program.
“This way there is something for the families to look forward to, even if they transfer to another base,” said Cisco.
The library is planning to hold a customer appreciation day, June 1 at noon. There will be refreshments, a treasure chest to pick a prize from and a chance to win the surprise grand prize. Everyone is welcome to attend.
| Date Taken: | 05.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2011 15:56 |
| Story ID: | 70278 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CALIF., CA, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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