Resources, activities abound at Cleburne library; Fall festival and noted authors scheduled

Oct. 19—Naysayers have for years forecast the demise of libraries, Cleburne Library Manager Tina Dunham said.

"When the internet came out people said libraries are going away," Dunham said. "When e-books came out people said libraries are going away."

They didn't. Instead, Dunham said, libraries adapted.

"Today we're more of a gathering place and a learning environment," Dunham said. "Everyone knows we have books, but we also have many additional resources and online resources you can access without even coming to the library."

Through all the changes, however, the Cleburne Public Library's mission has remained constant.

"Our mission is to assist citizens in meeting their differing informational needs through a variety of formats, and to promote lifelong learning by providing equal access to educational, cultural and recreational materials and programs," Dunham said.

Dunham discussed several such programs and materials as well as upcoming events during Thursday's weekly luncheon of the Cleburne Rotary Club.

"We also want to encourage a lifelong love of learning and reading," Dunham added.

Library cards are free and available to all who reside within Cleburne city limits or own property here, Dunham said, adding that all Cleburne ISD children, regardless of where they live, also get a library card.

"Everyone knows we have books," Dunham said. "But how many of you have paid for an E-book or audio book? You can get those free with your library card,"

Not to mention DVDs and other materials.

Online resources offer a wealth of e-books as well in addition to resources ranging from email marketing, job searches and other business needs, as well as legal forms and educational resources.

"Everything from tutorials and help on GED, SAT and ACT tests," Dunham said. "Have you ever had to do new math with your kids? There's stuff on that too. Not to mention academies on Zoom, social media and other training tutorials."

In-person options are plentiful as well. The library's Maker Corner provides a dedicated space for community members to "explore, develop, build and stimulate their creativity."

Made possible by grants from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, the Maker Corner includes a poster printer, 3-D printer, Cricut, three sewing machines and more including photo archiving and VHS to DVD or flash drive converters. The idea, Dunham said, was to provide hands-on technology as well as learning and creative outlets for those 14 and up given that the library already has several programs for younger children.

"We have classes, most of which are volunteer based," Dunham said. "We did a mask making class during COVID-19. Made, with our 3-D printer, buckles for masks to relieve pressure around the ears. We made those for nurses and members of the police department and made around 300 of those.

"We've done mending classes. A lot of people nowadays don't know how to hem a pair of pants or sew a button on."

More classes are planned and help is always welcomed.

"If you're handy and you like to do those kind of crafty things we'd love to have you down at the library," Dunham said.

Digitization of local newspapers also represents another recent major project. The library maintains microfilm copies of the Times-Review and other local papers dating back 120 years or so. The problem, Dunham said, is that microfilm offers no way to index specific articles leaving anyone who doesn't know the specific date of an article largely out of luck.

Thanks to another Texas State Library grant, the library and others were able to have copies of the Times-Review from 1934-55 digitized. Having received another $25,000 grant, they plan to digitize the years 1917 to 1933.

"Old copies of the Times-Review are nowhere else but our library so it's very important to save them for those who come after us," Dunham said.

The Portal to Texas History website contains hundreds of Texas newspapers, magazines, audio and video clips in addition to the Times-Review, all at no charge.

Fall Festival returns

After last year's hiatus out of COVID-19 concerns, the libraries popular Fall Festival returns 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30 complete with food, bake sales, auctions, crafts, face painting and other activities for all ages. Also returning is the ever popular book sale.

"Last year, with everyone at home, what did they do?" Dunham said. "Many of them cleaned out their closets and bookcases and brought all that stuff to the library not to mention DVDs and even some vinyl albums," Dunham said. "We've received donations probably everyday.

"Some great stuff, some really not great stuff but we're going to try to find new homes for all of this during the festival, which is also a great community event and our big fundraiser during the year."

Author events

back as well

John R. Erickson, creator of the popular Hank the Cowdog series will speak at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Cleburne Conference Center, 1501 W. Henderson St.

Nov. 15 brings former Fort Worth Star-Telegram books editor Jeff Guinn to discuss "War on the Border," his latest book detailing Pancho Villa and Gen. Pershing. Guinn has written books on Bonnie and Clyde, Charles Manson and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Guinn will speak at 6:30 p.m. at the conference center.

Both events are free courtesy of Texas State Library grants.

Dunham encouraged residents to follow the library on Facebook, Instagram and their website to keep up with upcoming classes and events.

"If you haven't in a while stop by to give the library a look and learn about all the many things we offer," Dunham said.

The Cleburne Public Library is at 302 W. Henderson St. For information, visit cleburne.net or call 817-645-0934.