It’s been another “Fall of Fun” over at the Ramsey Free Public Library, where entertaining and educational programs for kids, teens, adults and seniors can always be found.
This season, the library is continuing its new 1-on-1 tech assistance program, which focuses on helping senior citizens of the Ramsey community navigate general internet and device use. The sessions last 30 minutes and are conducted by a professional librarian on staff. 1-on-1 tech assistance sessions are also a great opportunity to learn about the library’s free digital services (like borrowing ebooks from Libby or Hoopla) and receive step-by-step instructions on how to use the library’s printer, scanner or copier. Appointments are available monthly and can be booked over the phone at 201-327-1445 or on the library’s online event page at ramseylibrary.org/events.
This online event page is also a great place to explore all of the other programs the library offers for kids, teens and adults. For the youngest members of the Ramsey community, baby and preschool storytimes at the library are provided to foster a love of reading at an early age. Ms. Catherine runs these storytimes, always guaranteeing plenty of sing-along songs and smiles for families in attendance. Grade school children can consistently find exciting things to do at the library, especially at Ms. Maggie and Ms. Ji’s crafting classes. Through varied programming, like Read to a Therapy Dog or Science Friday, kids are encouraged to build their literacy and STEM skills at the library.
But learning opportunities at the library aren’t strictly limited to kids - teens and adults can sign up for a variety of fascinating lectures and workshops. Just this season, young adults in high school partook in an engineering workshop, where they were challenged to design, test and improve a prosthetic arm prototype. Moreover, these teens have found practice in civic engagement through the library’s brand new Teen Advisory Board, where they are encouraged to have a say in programs and events for their demographic. Meanwhile, middle schoolers have been meeting at the library this autumn to discuss their favorite manga books with YA librarian Ms. Brigitte, finding a renewed interest in reading as a result of book club discussion.
Adults can also find numerous book clubs to join at the library, from Book Chat with Ms. Julie and Good Reads with Ms. Debbie to a non-fiction and cookbook club too. If book discussion isn’t your interest, there’s still plenty to do at the library as an adult, including yoga classes, afternoon movies, crafting workshops, author visits and special presentations. Some recent highlights for adult programming include a visit from New York Times bestselling author Ann Napolitano, as well as a virtual tour around NYC to explore the city’s distinguished memorials. If learning is indeed a lifelong journey, then adults can find no better place than the library to continue their expedition.
All in all, these programs for kids, teens, adults and seniors reflect the library’s mission, which aims to enhance the quality of life in Ramsey by providing access to lifelong learning tools, fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, and cultivating transformative experiences through diverse services and collections. Speaking of collections, just a quick browse through the building demonstrates that the Ramsey Free Public Library breaks the age-old imagery of libraries as antiquated structures within their communities. While novels, non-fiction books, movies and music still form the foundation of the library’s collection, patrons will also find comics, board games and even pressure washers available for checkout with their library card. The library’s L.O.T. (Library of Things) houses a unique assortment of items that can be borrowed just like a book. Tools for DIY projects, backyard games for parties and STEM kits for at-home learning are just a few of those “things” the library now offers. So stop by the Ramsey Public Library if it’s been a while since your last visit - from free programs and events to modern collections and services, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ramseylibrary.org