LaFayette Library highlights adult literacy
BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — With many programs throughout the year focusing on youth literacy and encouraging children to read, LaFayette Library Branch Manager Rachel Johnson shared the importance of adult literacy and its benefits for physical and mental health, and encouraged adults to explore their local library this summer.
“If you research the importance of adult literacy, you will notice several benefits,” she said. “Some of the benefits are an improvement to physical and mental health, community involvement, as well as fostering a love of reading for the younger generations. It is important for adults to continue to read because the benefits of reading have no age limit. Reading encourages us to learn about other places, people and ideas. Reading can also improve memory and boost brain connections.
For readers of all genres, Johnson said a variety of books and authors are offered across the two locations of Chambers County Libraries.
“The LaFayette Library has a great amount of books available for adults to check out,” she said. “I'm grateful that in our county we have two libraries that are available to everyone. This allows us to have a wide variety of books on all types of subjects, both nonfiction and fiction. We have large print books, audiobooks and more. The library also has computers available for the public to use to research topics and to care for other needs.”
Along with access to a range of books and reading topics, Johnson said the Chambers County Libraries also offer programs and events that foster learning and creativity in adult library members.
“Basket making is a popular class,” she said. “It was offered a few months ago and adults had the chance to learn a new skill as they made beautiful baskets.”
Johnson said as library regulars return and explore available books, they frequently share their excitement about what they are reading and learning through their local library.
“We enjoy chatting with library patrons as they are checking out books,” she said. “We often learn about what they like to read or a new skill they learned.”
As many may feel the daily impacts of inflation and increases in costs of living, Johnson said local libraries ensure reading remains accessible and affordable for all.
“The library has always been a place to come and enjoy reading,” she said. “With the cost of living, buying books can become expensive. The library is the perfect place to borrow the books you are looking for at no cost. Having two libraries in our county also means that we can request books from the Bradshaw library to be sent to LaFayette.This is beneficial for times when we do not have a book that a person is interested in. This allows us to offer more books to our community at no cost. The library also offers online resources like audiobooks, ebooks and more. All of this is available, for free, with a valid library card.”
For busy families and lives, Johnson said it is important for adults to take time on a regular basis and explore a book they enjoy.
“When it comes to adult literacy, I am most enthusiastic about helping adults discover their passion for reading,” she said. “Oftentimes, when we become adults, life gets busy with work, home life and everything in between. Sometimes it may feel like we do not have time to read. But reading allows a person to slow down, even if for a few minutes, and recharge with a good book.”
For those who enjoy a challenge, Johnson said she wants to encourage adults to participate in the Summer Reading Program and track their reading throughout the summer.
“I encourage adults to stop by the library, get a library card and start reading,” she said. “Enroll in the summer adult reading challenge. Adults receive prizes and incentives as they read. Sometimes people think that the summer reading challenge is just for children, but it is for the entire family. If you haven't read a book in the last year, stop by and check out a new one today or find a new audiobook to enjoy.”
For more information, visit Chambers County Library on Facebook or www.chamberscountylibrary.org. The LaFayette Library is located at 198 1st St SE, LaFayette, and the H. Grady Bradshaw Library is located at 20th Avenue, Valley.
“Being a part of your local library is a great way to learn new things, meet new people and support your community,” Johnson said. “It also sets a great example for the younger generation to become lifelong readers.”
Throughout the summer, the LaFayette Sun Newspaper will continue to highlight adult literacy through weekly explorations of offered books at the LaFayette Library.
