Eglin Base Library hailed best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennigs
  • 96th Air Base WIng Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A little ingenuity paired with a dedicated and passionate staff helped Team Eglin's base library to be crowned best in the Air Force despite recent budget cuts.

The Eglin Base Library will be presented the Air Force Library Program of the Year award June 12, for their outstanding efforts to meet the core Department of Defense library standards as well as Golden Eagle standards.

With approximately 55,000 items logged in its inventory and 22 computers, the library serves as a focal point for expansion of understanding and development.

"Even in times of scarce budgets, we still aim to fulfill our obligation to the community as a center for knowledge and growth," said Donna Holovack, library director.

With an eight-man staff, the library aims to maintain customer focus and satisfaction. It accomplishes this through innovative programs and events such as hosting authors for questions and answers sessions and creating 25 educational summer reading programs for all ages which efforts logged approximately 1,000 participants in just three months.

"We really want people to come and utilize the resources we have here," said Mrs. Holovack. "If we don't have something they need, we'll request for an inter-library loan and get it from somewhere else."

The library secured College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DVD study guides as resources to motivate Airmen to pursue education, just one venue which is used to serve military personnel.

While the staff at the library wants to make their services available to everyone, they recently shifted their focus to servicemembers who are deployed or deploying, as well as their family.

"We understand how difficult times can be when families are separated by deployment," said Dorothee Bennett, library technician. "This is why we've opened up a new section which caters to all aspects of deployment issues." 

"We want to make the library is a place where one can go to learn, relax or research," said Mrs. Bennett. 

With sections provided to accommodate the needs or wants for Airmen and families, the library will continue serving the community as a haven for those seeking knowledge and development.