LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- -- The Little Rock Air Force Base library, located in the Walters Community Center, has a growing collection of more than 20,000 books, 5,000 DVDs, 100 music CDs, 1,000 audio books, several games for a variety of gaming systems and 80 periodical and newspaper subscriptions.
And that is only the beginning.
The library, voted best Air Force library in 2015, offers a variety of amenities to help develop and care for Airmen and their families such as education opportunities, free Wi-Fi throughout the facility, private study rooms and readily available computers.
The library offers Airmen the opportunity to study for College Examination Program (CLEP) standardized tests created and administered by College Board. These tests provide Airmen the option to take one test to earn college credits rather than taking an entire college course.
“We have an entire section in our library dedicated to CLEP testing,” said Bethry Becker, Little Rock AFB Library manager. “If the individual comes to the library, takes time to study and then takes a CLEP, he or she is more likely to pass and can save a ton of time and money.”
For those who desire to learn a new language, the library offers free foreign language programs.
“A great service we have is the Air Force online language program,” Becker said. “It has around 80 different languages to learn. All you have to do is sign up at the library and you and your family will have access to all of the languages at no cost. It’s great for those who are moving overseas and are looking to brush up on a language. It could take a lot off of someone’s shoulders and save a lot money.”
The base library not only has amenities for Airmen but for their loved ones, too.
“A huge benefit to the families that come to the library is our enclosed children’s room,” Becker said. “Parents who have little ones can shut the door and feel very relaxed; they don’t have to worry about the children’s noise level. We also host story time for children here once a month.”
Another resource is the many computers accessible to Airmen and their families in addition to the free Wi-Fi which customers can tap into.
“We have computers that are both CAC enabled and some that are not,” Becker said. “People use the computers for studying for college courses, career development courses and more. After school, kids can come in to do homework. The computers and the Wi-Fi is a benefit to Airmen and their families who don’t have internet or computer access at home.”
A hallmark of the base library is the constant additions to its shelves for Airmen and their families.
“People should use the resources at the library simply because they’re available,” Becker said. “The library does a lot of work to make sure resources are current and useful. It’s a huge Air Force benefit. We’re here as part of our mission to support education and quality of life.”
For more information on the LRAFB Library go to http://lrafblibrary.sirsi.net .