Base library offers wealth of free resources Published June 22, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- If someone asks you to describe a library, you may picture a serene place filled with shelves of leather-bound books and the smell of rich mahogany. Many libraries are a refuge for those wanting peaceful solitude as they read or study in silence. But today's libraries are livelier with the power of advanced technology for wireless internet and cater much more to individuals of all ages. "Our job is more than just putting books back on the shelf, our goal is to try and meet the needs of our customers," said Richard Krueger, 436th Force Support Squadron Base Library director. "We have to stay on top in knowing what's new for the future needs of our patrons and help them find exactly what they're looking for." The library at Dover Air Force Base has evolved with the technology evolution. At Dover's base library, visitors can hear the sound of mouse clicks coming from Airmen using the computers and personal laptops. "Customers can check out a computer at the front desk, but many also bring in their own laptops," said Mr. Krueger, explaining that the library offers wireless internet for all users. The library offers a wide variety of classes for adults and summer reading programs for children. Also, they offer computer to access the Web, newspaper articles and magazines, downloadable audiobooks, study guides and books to help prepare for college level examination program exams and language-learning software - all of which is available at no cost. "We try to provide as many resources as we can, and the Rosetta Stone software is one of the free programs we offer for active-duty Airmen and their families to use," said Mr. Krueger. One Airman who is currently learning Hebrew and Hungarian is thankful for the free software. "I'm able to work on as many languages as I would like and I'm thankful the library has allowed me to access this program for free," said Airman 1st Class John Harris, Maintenance Operations Squadron maintenance scheduler. "I received the Rosetta Stone software for language level one for Hebrew as a gift and it was very expensive, but now I can learn any language at any level for free." The library is flexible when providing help for their customers, whether it be for software or other materials. "We have a good relationship with libraries within the community and if we do not have a book someone is looking for, we're able to accommodate them and get materials from other libraries." The library director said he enjoys his job because he enjoys helping customers. "My father was a librarian for many years at the Kent Count Library, it's something that runs in my family," said Mr. Krueger. "It's satisfying to know people can leave the library with the information they were looking for to improve at their job or their education. "At the base library, there's something for everyone," he said. "So, take some free classes and learn something new. For more information or to view the library events calendar, visit www.doverafbservices.com/baselibrary or call the Base Library at 677-3992.