For years, libraries were known as the place to borrow books. We have evolved into a community meeting place, providing a space where community members come together and talk about what they can do for the community or what the community can do for them. Meeting room space is available for groups up to 80 people.
We are also the community’s technology center, providing free access to the internet, Wi-Fi, notary service and fax service.
A wide variety of classes is available; for example, this past month we started a sign language and Spanish language class. We provide space for art exhibits and musical performances. Another out-of-the-box program is stargazing — 6:30-8 p.m. third Tuesdays — presented by Tom Haugh from the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association. The Northwest Florida Astronomy Association has donated an Orion Star Blast 4.5-inch telescope for check out.
Check out our library — you will be surprised and delighted by what is available.
However, please note: We will close Friday for air conditioning repair. We will reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
STAFF PICK, Jean Lewis
“The Plum Tree,” audiobook edition by Ellen Marie Wiseman
This very informative novel features lots of detail about Germany during World War II and the Holocaust. After listening to the audio book, I was instantly drawn into the time and place.
Kristine — the narrator, a young German teenager — falls in love with a Jewish boy just as the Germans order all Jewish people in their community to restrict their behavior and wear the yellow Jewish Star.
After the boy and his family are sent to a work camp, Kristine helps him escape and hides him in her attic. However, both are discovered and sent to Dachau, the German concentration camp, where they remain until the war ends.
This historical novel depicts the horrors of life in Dachau and provides insight into the life of Germans during that time.
STAFF PICKS, Marie Garcia
“Gettysburg: The Last Invasion” by Allen C. Guezlo
The 150th anniversary of this historic three-day battle fought during the American Civil War has passed, but interest in the subject continues, especially for Civil War buffs.
Many works detailing the battle are considered one of the war’s major turning points, and Guezlo’s work will surely be included among the list of this bloody battle’s great accounts. The writer’s work brings to life the grittiness, loss and suffering of those who fought.
Also recommended is the movie "Gettysburg," starring Martin Sheen and Jeff Daniels. It is based on Jeff Shaara’s acclaimed novel, "The Killer Angels." Both are available at the library.
Want to learn more about the Civil War and have a library card? Browse through our “Sources in U.S. History: The Civil War” electronic resource. This database is rich in primary sources like vivid photos and personal journals written by those who fought and lived during the war.
Contact Info:
Website: www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php
Phone: 682-4432
Address: 1445 Commerce Drive, behind the Crestview post office.
Jean Lewis is the Crestview Public Library's director.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: The Crestview Public Library as a meeting place