Public Library Programming Dovetails with School District’s Greater Mission

As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. At the Charles City Public Library, we believe in the power and value of a unified community.

 

This is why we are proud to offer programming that converges with the mission and vision of Charles City Community Schools to create an outstanding learning environment. Moreover, we expand on this vision to consider the needs of our whole community, from our youngest learners to senior adults.

 

Our library’s strategic goals align well with the district’s mission of: “Regardless of who you are or what your story is, you can learn and be loved here.” We aim to provide programming for all ages and interests that brings value to the community and meets our patrons’ needs.

 

Our safe, well-maintained, and welcoming facility is equipped with up-to-date technology, and we offer digital literacy assistance to ensure every patron can use the library to its fullest. We also strive to ensure information about the library’s services and collections is readily available and easily accessible to everyone in our community so that they can find enrichment in lifelong learning.

 

Of course, this starts with our youngest patrons, many of whom are students in Charles City Community Schools. We are here to inspire creativity and are pleased to offer a wide variety of programs, such as DIY craft projects, Teen Chef programs, Crafternoons, Get Messy youth programs, Art with You ‘22, and more to get kids excited about exploring new creative pursuits.

 

The library also offers programming that augments more traditional school subjects. We have a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs that help teach problem-solving, innovation, and critical thinking skills, and that are available for everyone from young children to adults for their enrichment and entertainment.

 

None of this detracts from the work many community members think of first when they think of the public library. We remain as committed as ever to encouraging reading and literacy and promoting their role in fostering lifelong learning. We invite classrooms, daycares, and book clubs to enjoy our space and take advantage of our programming, including storytimes, storywalks, and our popular summer reading program.

 

Our public library cannot accomplish any of these things alone. We are deeply grateful to the local community members who support us by volunteering their time, making financial donations, and simply offering encouragement and support for the library during challenging times.

 

As our mission statement puts it, the Charles City Public Library brings people, ideas, and information together to enrich our community. Because our community is a team, we’re all in this together. We welcome learners of all ages and look forward to supporting our patrons by continuing to make our library a space for the entire community.

 

Annette Dean is the Director of the Charles City Public Library.