b'Madelyn Helling LibraryOperational hub Call us and chat!houses the countysMargaret Gilmore largest collectionMadelyn Helling Branch Manager T all windows let in views of pine trees and birds fluttering at the back of the Madelyn Helling Library Rule No. 1 for earlyin Nevada City. Theyre the first things you see as you walk in the front doors. On this day, morning light childhood literacy: Its OK tostreams down on a score of adults stretching and twisting chew on the board books and bending in the patterns of qi gong.In an amphitheater outside, the local musical organization P arents, grandparents and caregivers are a childs first teachers.InConcert Sierra organizes performances during the Local libraries offer them books, activities, tips, networkingsummer. Inside, patrons can browse an enormous collection and space to start teaching our youngest residents theof music CDs, plug their laptop into the internet, get help reading skills that will build a lifetime of success.Thats why youlearning how to use their cell phones and tablet, and check dont need to fret if the baby chews on the board book, saysout guitars, snowshoes and California State Park passes.Maggie Gilmore, branch manager of the Madelyn HellingThe enormous rate of DVD borrowing hundreds are Library in Nevada City. Its about the physical experience withchecked out each day speaks to both the digital divide in the book, she adds. The point is to get the tiny teether used tothe county and the ability of local libraries to help residents books as a normal, expected and enjoyable part of life. bridge that gap, Gilmore says.Were the first step in a childs development for learning howCall us and chat, urges Gilmore. Were happy to talk to read, Gilmore says of our local libraries. Programs offeredabout resources we have available and learn about the needs at all the branches use movement, color, touch, action, play andof each individual. Were here to answer questions.basic counting to get the kids started.We can set you up to This is the most modern building in the county library learn these concepts. system, opening in 1992 and replacing the citys library In particular, the Stay and Play program uses play and song to downtown. (That landmark building is now the Doris Foley teach pre-reading skills to children from babes to kindergartners. Library for Historical Research(see story pg. 15)).Along the way, caregivers get tips on how to keep the kids learning. For example, you can talk with your little one in daily,The new building was named after Madelyn Helling, who ordinary circumstances, such as at the grocery store, to expandwas county librarian from 1974 to 1991. People who knew their vocabulary, Gilmore suggests. Helling called her a force of nature. She lobbied relentlessly Each branch library has a play area with books, toys and morefor the establishment of the new facility in Nevada City, and designed for youngsters and their caregivers. Activities, often withremained active in organizations supporting libraries and snacks, are offered throughout the week. historical research until her death in 2021. For a list of programs each branch offers, please visit www. This is the hub. Its an operations center as well as a nevadacountyca.gov/3455/Library library, Gilmore says. The cataloguing team is based here, along with the systems administrative offices. It also houses Games & recreation equipment for check-outthe largest collection of materials in the county. If youre In addition to books, the Madelyn Helling Library offers a recreationbrowsing for material in a particular subject area, this is a good place to start.collection. Such items expand the idea of what a library is, says Nevada Madelyn Helling LibraryCounty Librarian Nick Wilczek. TSHIKINGPOLES SPASSES 980 Helling Way (next to the Rood Center) CORNHOLESECASTATEPARK GUITARSBADMINTONSETS(GETFREEPARKINGAT Nevada City, CA 95959 DVDPLAYERSBIRD-WATCHINGKITS BRIDGEPORT!) (530) 265-7050 BOARDGAMESSNOWSHOES www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/3455/Library2024 Western Nevada County Edition SENIOR DIRECTORY 9'