Nicholas P. Sims Library has programs and resources for everyone

Whether you love reading, want to learn Spanish or simply need to get work done, Nicholas P. Sims Library has something for everyone.

Community services librarian Jennifer Graf believes libraries are only successful when they offer what the community needs, and that’s what they try to accomplish at the Sims Library.

“If you need it, we try to provide it,” Graf said. “A librarian will always be here and stay relevant as long as you can stay relevant to what your community needs and to know your community … it may not always look like books, but we’re gonna have something.”

Graf explained how the library has wi-fi hotspots available to checkout for families who do not have internet at home. It also has DVDs, video games and audiobooks available.

Along with a variety of items, the library hosts different programs and activities for every age group. It recently wrapped up 35 summer programs and activities attended by more than 3,500 people.

The library offers multiple book clubs for both adults and teens.

For adults, they also offer classes and services such as an ESL (English as a second language) class and a beginner’s Spanish class.

For teens, they will be starting a new Dungeons and Dragons club on Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. Graf said it will be limited in number because of how long it takes to build a campaign and characters.

“When you think about it, it’s perfect for the library because it’s all about storytelling and using your imagination and being creative to play that,” Graf said.

For children, their regular programs will begin in September with daily story times Tuesday through Friday for all age groups, bilingual story time and craft classes. This year the library will start a few new programs as well.

A Spanish Club will be available for school aged children, where they will read stories in Spanish. On Fridays, there will be a “Cozy Corner” for school aged children to come relax and decompress after school with an audiobook and crafts. Graf said it will be a “stress free time for those kids at the end of the week.”

Another addition to the library is a bookmobile. Graf said they should be receiving it in October or November, and they plan to have it ready to launch at the beginning of the year 2023. The bookmobile will have shelves for books, a printing service, a wi-fi hotspot, laptops and more.

Graf said they plan to use it to take programs and resources to people in the community who cannot make it to the library. Graf plans to bring story times and programs to daycares, schools, the Waxahachie Senior Center and Daymark Living.

“I think it’s gonna be a win-win for the community and for the library,” Graf said.

Keller Williams is hosting a book drive for the new bookmobile from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15. Donations can be dropped off at 200 W. Marvin Ave. during the drive. Graf said the library will post an Amazon wish list on its website and social media next week.

To learn more about the library’s programs, activities and resources, visit online at www.simslib.org or follow @SimsLibrary on Facebook.

Originally published August 19, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/education/nicholas-p-sims-library-has-programs-and-resources-for-everyone/article_9b03f5b0-1ff7-11ed-bc6a-c3f9f16d86ef.html