With the nation facing tough economic times, people are visiting the Garden City Public Library more often and checking out items with greater frequency. As the country copes with the impact of the economic downturn, Garden City residents have the opportunity to reap the benefits of their tax dollars by using the Garden City Public Library. Patrons can borrow books, attend programs, read newspapers and magazines, and use the computers for free. The bottom line is that with a library card, people can access countless valuable, free materials and services to assist with three important aspects of life --- entertainment, education, and employment.

Entertainment

Dollars Saved at

the Library

With many people trying to spend less, Garden City residents can come to the Library for entertainment for the whole family. During this economic downturn, many people are borrowing books, DVDs, and audio materials instead of buying them. In addition, the Library offers book discussions and entertaining programs for children, teens, and adults at no cost. Now more than ever, Garden City residents are encouraged to use their library card to open the door to a world of education, employment, and entertainment resources.

Adults can relax in the comfortable Periodical Room or attend a movie matinee or workshop. Teens can spend time browsing materials or working with friends in the Young Adult Room, which has its own seating area and computers. Younger children can meet new friends at storytime or play games on the children's computers. Through the generosity of The Friends of The Garden City Public Library, families can borrow one of the Library's Museum Passes to enjoy a day out at one of New York's famous museums and cultural institutions.

Lifelong Learning

at the Library

In this difficult economic climate, the public can depend on the library and librarians to assist with lifelong learning. The Garden City Library has an extensive collection of nonfiction books, audio materials, and online databases covering every subject area and interest. For example, for those faced with home repairs, the Home Improvement Resource Center database provides instructions for thousands of decorating and home repair projects. Whether you want to improve foreign language skills or find low cost recipes for the family, the librarians will assist you with what you need.

For students with academic needs in grades 4 to 12, the Garden City Library offers online after school Homework Help through Tutor.com. In addition, the Learning Express database offers test preparation for students from middle school through graduate school, including those preparing for the SAT or ACT. All of the Library's databases can be accessed by visiting the Library's website www.gardencitypl.org and entering your library card barcode when prompted.

Job Search Books

and Databases at

the Library

As more people are faced with possible employment changes, the Library has become the place to borrow materials to rewrite your resume or help you get ready for an interview. There is a Job Corner where books on careers as well as civil service employment can be found. Patrons can use their library card to access the business databases, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to research prospective employers.

Plan your future with the Career Cruising database, which is a career-guidance system that includes assessment tools to help you match your skills and interests to a career as well as job descriptions and requirements. Prepare for an upcoming employment test with The Learning Express database. Job searchers can also take advantage of the Computer Center on the lower level which has Internet access, word processing, and printing facilities. In this difficult economic time, the Garden City Public Library continues to be a community center where residents can find an array of free information resources and services that can better lives and support lifelong learning.