Children's Resource Center showcased

The folks over at the Douglas County Public Library in Minden are excited, and for good reason. Next Friday marks the debut of the new Children's Resource Center, a labor of love that took four months to complete. Construction began last June and wrapped up in October.

The updated Children's Resource Center features a special story time room as well as new shelving and bin storage for resources and books. Some shelves have been lowered to make them more accessible for young visitors. There is a homework center complete with computers, tables and chairs, and a new computer desk for Youth Services. Educational software is available, and there is a special computer reserved just for the little ones. New carpeting and an online library catalog complete the remodel.

The project was made possible through the fund-raising efforts of the library's board of trustees and Friends of the Library, who will be there on Friday in honor of this special event.

So grab the kids and head on over to the Douglas County Public Library, Minden next Friday, March 17. Refreshments will be served and you can see the beautiful new Children's Resource Center for yourself. The celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m.

Another way our local libraries are encouraging our children to read is by partnering with In-N-Out Burger for the "Food for Thought" reading program. The program started March 4 and continues through April 15. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are eligible to earn free food just by reading books.

To enroll, each child must fill out a file card at either library (Minden or Zephyr Cove). For each five books read at their reading level, participants will earn a gift certificate redeemable for an In-N-Out hamburger or cheeseburger. Each child may earn up to three award certificates. Children may have a parent read with them if they are too young to read on their own.

The Douglas County Public Library is located at 1625 Library Lane in Minden and 233 Warrior Way in Zephyr Cove. For more information, you can call 782-9841 or 588-6411.