“Books Turn Muggles into Wizards.” – The Harry Potter Alliance

The library can be the perfect place to support your efforts in life, whether you want to expand your horizon of general knowledge, dig deeper into a focused area, open up your perspective on almost any topic , learn new skills, apply for a PFD or just take a few minutes to relax and day dream. The library is an open portal for these opportunities. We each can benefit from the creative diversity of other peoples experience, to help us understand and appreciate the wider reality, that is our world.

One frequently asked question is: Why use the library when everything is available online? One reason is because when you find information through the library site, you can know it has been vetted for truth and accuracy. That’s no small deal.

Attention students: One such trustworthy library site is SLED. Its logo shows students heading toward a common goal in a fun way. So students, if you need a hand with homework, or help preparing for a test, SLED offers ready assistance. SLED covers 40 different subjects, from elementary classes to honors level, and the tutors will work with you at your own pace. One 7th Grader wrote of his/her SLED experience “Every single time I need help on my work, this service helps! It’s like this little magical place where you go and they like help you understand what you’re stuck on!”

You can access this wonderful service by logging onto the main library site www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library. Click on “Shortcuts to links” then go to LAM.Alaska.gov/sled. Click on the SLED logo and find “Tutoring-Get Live Homework Help.” Tutors are waiting to help you from noon to midnight every day. Remember there is no such thing as a silly question, so please don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help.

Another great library service is Flipster, an online access to over 40 free magazines. The topics range from Bicycling to Yoga to Finances to Oprah to Mother Jones to Popular Science to Sport Fishing, something for all interests.

Next time you’re in the library, stroll back to the fireplace area. There is a fine art display showcasing four of Sharlene Cline’s “Chinese Watercolor and Ink on Rice-paper” pieces. They are so peaceful and alive. If you are drawn to this art form, Sharlene will be teaching a Chinese Art class at the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College in March.

Please, don’t pass up the chance to be part of a lively community dialogue with one of your Homer City Council members. That is from noon to 1 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the Library Conference room.

Everything is free with a library card and your password.

Kate Finn is a member of the Homer Library Advisory Board.