Gonzales Public Library: More than just books

GONZALES — Gonzales Public Library is getting ready to launch into fundraising season, so wouldn't it be nice to know what the library is doing with the money raised?

The library offers a host of programs, learning opportunities and resources to the community and Librarian Caroline Helms is happy to praise and explain the necessity and usefulness of each and every benefit available.

Helms is a familiar face in Gonzales. She has been librarian for the last two years and was assistant librarian for more than eight years before that. She has spent much of her life in libraries, as a patron and as a volunteer. As a child, Helms remembers always looking forward to her library days and even seeking out local libraries while on family vacations. It is unconfirmed, but likely, Helms was born to be a librarian.

Gonzales Public Library is home to a Teen Action Group. The group, comprised of 20 teens from Gonzales Junior High School and Gonzales High School, puts together programs that bring what they learn to life.

Recently the Teen Action Group hosted “Taste of the World”, where patrons were invited to come in and taste dishes from around the world, prepared by teens right here in Gonzales. In order to prepare for the kitchen, each teen checked out books about the country of their choosing, then learned about culture, customs and cuisine.

"The Teen Action Group did a great job with this project," Helms said. "They took charge and put a lot of effort into making the event a success."

Currently the Teen Action Group is wrapping up a fundraiser and pet food drive. Helms said they have had many donations and are actively looking for more.

Gonzales Public Library also offers a Summer Reading Program, during which Helms says 300 local children participate. During the Summer Reading Program each young reader has six weeks to read 12 books. At the end of the six weeks the kids are rewarded for all their reading with an awards ceremony and snow-cone treat.

"We try to make reading fun, so even readers view using the library and reading as enjoyable," Helms said. "We want them to return – not only for the Summer Reading Program – but return year round."

Who would have thought you could learn piano at a library. You can. By the charity of Mayron Cole, local piano instructor, author and creator, the library has four Piano Made Easy stations. The stations were donated by Cole after she created the Piano Made Easy program, which made The Smithsonian Toy of the Year list.

The Piano Made Easy stations are available during the summer and the lesson is taught entirely on a computer, outfitted with the learning software and an attachable keyboard.

Another kid's service found at Gonzales Public Library is A-B-C Mouse, a computer-based, interactive learning tool.

So, if you are a little older than school-aged, you might be wondering what library programs are available for you. The simple answer: Lots.

The library offers downloadable e-books, which may be checked out five at a time and downloaded to e-readers, tablets, smart phones and computers.

If you are a Gonzales Public Library cardholder, in good standing, then you are also part of the TexShare program, by which you may go into any TexShare library in the state and get a card at that library – for free.

Another benefit available to Gonzales' readers is the library's participation in Texas Interlibrary Loan program; so, if you want a book you have been unable to find locally, Gonzales Public Library can get that book from another participating library in Texas.

"We have a knowledgeable staff and are all eager to help someone to find a book, look for a job, or whatever they need," Helms said. "We are happy to help with any library resource, or even basic computer operation and setting up an email, which can be useful in a job search."

For jobseekers, Gonzales Public Library offers a resource called A-Z Database. There are jobs on the database that may not be found in local job listings or at Workforce Solutions. Helms said a resource like this, is key for jobseekers who need a longer reach into the job market, but do not have a computer.

The library has 11 computers. All of which are set up to serve the many needs of the public. Whether it be the aforementioned job search, homework, research or whatever the need, the library has the technology to support the occasion.

Are you into genealogy? The library has an entire room dedicated to genealogy. With online and hard resources to help put your family tree together.

Gonzales' library is home to more than 3,000 DVDs, as well as audio books and language-learning programs, all of which may be checked out with a library card.

Helms said each month she uses part of the library's $30,000 in annual funding from the City of Gonzales, to update and add to the library's growing collection of books, audiovisual sections and learning tools.

Among the DVDs there are releases, television series, and a lot of Christian films.

"Christian movies are a popular request," Helms said. "We try to stay up to date with Christian titles."

Gonzales Public library is clearly more than books. But the book selection offered caters to all ages. Helms said she is always researching the hottest trends and coming titles and doing her best to get them in as soon after release as she can.

"We have a separate shelf for all of the new releases," she said. "Some people, especially our avid readers, come in and head directly for that shelf, because they know there will be something new there."

Helms said young-adult reading and DVD content has been greatly expanded and improved with the help of the Teen Action Group. The teens have given Helms ideas for trending authors, styles and

"We are getting in a lot of Manga and graphic novels," Helms said. "This brings reading to teens in a way that makes it new and interesting."

Whether its in the stacks, or on a shelf, Gonzales Public Library is serving readers of all ages.

Gonzales Public Library is funded partially by the city, buy relies heavily on the funding of public donations and the generous donations of Friends of the Library. Each year the Friends of the Library put on a multi-tiered fundraiser for the public library, raising funds and awareness for this local treasure. Fundraising kicks off again in early 2017.

Newt year is also the projected move date for the library. The facility will grow by 10,000 square feet and be adding a Texas Learning Center, a Gun Gallery – with 500 firearms on long-term loan, sleek new décor (partially funded by the Tocker Foundation), and much more.

Library hours are: Monday - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday - 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and, Saturday – 9 a.m. until noon.