While Sicily is full of wonders like fantastic scenery, uniquely delicious food, and marvelous markets for newcomers to explore, one thing that is (understandably) hard to find in Sicily is books written in English. Luckily for the Sigonella community, there are multiple places on base to pick up a new novel, a picture book, a travel guide, or even a history of Sicily itself.
Located on NAS I, the MWR Library holds more than 25,000 items in its collection, including books, DVDs, video games, magazines, and more. In addition to a wide variety of bestsellers, young adult literature, cookbooks, and professional development selections, there is a special shelf full of books related to Sicily. A small but inviting children’s section, tables full of computers, and a lovely balcony are just a few of the amenities on site, and even though COVID-19 restrictions have put a damper on some activities, there are still plenty of resources and programs available from the library.
“Except for the national lockdown last spring, we have been able to stay open and continuously provide as many services as possible,” said librarian April Miller, who came to Sigonella most recently from Iwakuni and brings 20 years of experience to the position. “Due to social distancing guidelines, seating has been rearranged and our library programming has had to take different forms, but we’re still offering computer use, Wi-Fi, and printing capabilities.” She also noted that returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours before returning to circulation, and surfaces such as tables and computers are sanitized throughout each day.
Although many beloved in-person programs were canceled this year, the library has adapted by offering both virtual and take-home activities. “Some recent favorites have been our Bookmark Design Contest, Grab and Go Holiday Craft Kits, and a New Year Community Quilt project,” said Miller. “We have lots of fun programs planned for the spring too, including Carnevale Kits, a chance to create your own fairy tale for National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, and more take-home crafts.”
The Sigonella community can also take advantage of the Navy Digital Library, which includes test prep and study guides, tutoring assistance, encyclopedias, journal articles, educational games, music lessons, movie and music streaming, language learning, computer courses, e-books, e-magazines, e-comics, audio books, and more.
To top it off, a shelf right at the entrance of the library contains an ever-changing selection of free books. “These books are perfect for PCSs and deployments, and we’ve contributed to a few “barracks libraries” as well,” said Miller. “You can bring the book back, pass it on to a friend, leave it behind for the next person, or add it to your own bookshelf.”
As any bibliophile will tell you, you can never have too many books, and the more places to browse, the better. In addition to bookshelves in the barracks, which provide free donated books and board games to Sailors, a new book-sharing location just popped up in Marinai thanks to a literarily-inclined family.
After moving to Sigonella from San Diego late last year, Ally Perry and her husband, Yeoman 1st Class Tyler Perry, wasted no time in creating a custom free book-sharing box outside their home in Marinai. Tyler built it from scratch in three days, and plenty of books were already waiting to be shared.
“While I can admit I am a bit of a book hoarder,” said Ally, “I couldn’t have stocked the library without the help of some friends that I have made here in Sigonella, two of whom donated before we even had the library completed!”
Ally posted about the box on Facebook, and soon even more people were clamoring to contribute. “The community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Books are being taken, borrowed, and replaced. I have even had some extra books placed on my table on my porch. Donations are always welcome!”
With lockdown restrictions limiting the travel that many people in the Sigonella community were hoping to enjoy, it’s not surprising that reading, with its endless possibilities to teach you new things and transport you to new worlds, has grown even further in popularity.
“After seeing such a positive response, we really want to expand to a total of three book-sharing boxes here in Sigonella,” Ally added.
Miller, the librarian, has also seen this phenomenon firsthand. “Participation in the Summer Reading Program increased from 2019, and we had the most minutes read of any other Navy library in the region,” she said. “We’re hoping to top that this summer, so stay tuned!”
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 02.19.2021 09:38 |
| Story ID: | 388579 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Page-Turning Possibilities, by Megan Mills, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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