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Marine Corps Libraries: Providing essential resources for military community
From The Stars and Stripes Modern Day Marine Edition, April 30 - May 2, 2024
Since the War Department’s creation of the Navy & Marine Corps Library Services in 1919, and the Army Library Service in 1921, military libraries have been providing servicemembers and their families with books and programs to aid in their personal and professional development, increase morale, and improve educational opportunities. Whether in garrison, on a ship, or deployed to a remote location, library services are available to all.
The Marine Corps MWR Libraries have evolved over the past decade to become modern, renovated community spaces reminiscent of your favorite bookstore and community center, offering a vibrant array of today’s bestsellers, current Commandant of the Marine Corps and Navy Professional Reading Lists, timeless classics, and educational non-fiction titles. They’re an invaluable resource for the Marines and give Marines several alternative activities to do to keep up morale or help curb boredom” says SSgt Ted Kleniewski, a Reservist with 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. Library accounts have also gone digital, so you can access your checkouts, create booklists, place holds on titles, and access library apps right from your home. Military libraries have expanded the traditional offerings of print, audio, and eBooks and include emerging online resources, computer/CAC access, engaging programs, books for deployed units, poster printing, innovative Maker Spaces, and so much more!
Step into your Marine Corps MWR Library and you will find a fully equipped Makerspace/Innovation Lab ready for you to stretch those creative muscles! From 3D printers and binding machines to vinyl cutting and robotics kits, the Makerspaces and their specialists are ready to help! Some labs even have specialty equipment and programs.
When it comes to pr
ograms, there’s something for everyone at the library! From résumé help to Semper Legere PME sessions to make your next FITREP shine, Marine Corps MWR Libraries have you covered through creative in-house programming and partnerships with organizations both on- and off-base.
These partnerships allow the libraries to enrich programming with specialized content and subject matter experts, such as the Japanese Language Exchange and Cultural Exchange programs formed by library employees from MCB Butler and Ms. Shina Miyagi at the American Consulate in Naha, Okinawa. These programs allow Marines and families to interact with Japanese locals to create lasting relationships and good-will in the host-nation. Cpl David Mendez, who regularly volunteers and assists with the Language Exchange and Japanese-on-the-Go notes that for him, these are meaningful programs because “I enjoy creating better relationships with the Japanese and helping … close the language barrier with programs such as Japanese-on-the-Go. I enjoy helping other people achieve their dreams and improve their languages as well as helping them get interested in all the things the library has to offer”. Other partnerships include Baby Massage classes with New Parent Support and MCAS Miramar’s Signs at Play collaboration with the Family Advocacy Program for caregiver, infant, and toddler ASL.
The libraries even offer a DoD-wide Summer Reading Program for all ages. 2024’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat,” with reading challenges and programs starting in June across the services. Register yourself and your family online or with your local library, earn minutes for reading anything from audiobooks to your daily work bulletins to graphic novels and magazines, and earn prizes as you spend the summer competing in challenges, reading for pleasure, and enjoying the wide variety of SRP programming available both in-person and online!
Many Marine Corps MWR Library programs are made possible with the help of our volunteers; Marines and family members who are an integral part of the Marine Corps libraries, averaging 2,000 volunteer hours each year. Volunteers assist with library beautification, book shelving, programming, Summer Reading, special events and so much more. Annually, volunteers from 3rd LAR at MCAGCC 29 Palms assist library staff in hosting a Touch-a-Truck event and Storytime featuring military vehicles for the Month of the Military Child celebration. “The libraries’ themes and celebrations they set up for each individual holiday adds a bit of extra charm for those far from home” comments SSgt Kleniewski, who first discovered how “useful and enjoyable the facilities actually were” at MCCS libraries while on a UDP to Camp Schwab, Okinawa. Last year, 1.4 million Marines and thier families joined the libraries for programs, events, and services.
Marine Corps MWR Library patrons can also take advantage of the full collection of DoD Virtual Library services. These digital offerings are accessible from any computer with internet and range from free tutoring, writing assistance, and test prep for school-age children and adults, to leveraging language skills and learning about RCSP regions with resources like Mango Languages. All DoD service members, their families, DoD civilians, and retirees have access to the free library resources at DoDMWRLibraries.org. Log in today to see how we can help you achieve your personal & professional goals! You can also reach out to the USMC Library Program Director directly by emailing [email protected].
Written by Elán Marae Birkeland
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