Libraries becoming community club central

There's something folks can take home from the library that doesn't require a library card and can never be overdue.

A new friend doesn't fit through the book-return slot, they can be kept forever.

Library leaders say that in today's electronic age, libraries have become far more than just book repositories. In addition to DVDs, computer labs and online resources, libraries around the world - and in Yuma - are starting to offer something totally new: social clubs.

Whether it's a group gathering to learn English or trade the secrets of sewing, these clubs are proving to be a big hit and making libraries the new cool place to meet.

"We really want the library to be a community meeting place," said Sarah Wisdom with the Yuma County Library District. "Libraries have become a place where people can come together and meet new friends, talk, learn new skills and share a love of hobbies."

Yuma County libraries started by creating clubs for teens. Those groups offer a chance for teens to gather and celebrate everything from Japanese comics to role-playing games. But these days libraries are starting to offer clubs for people of all ages, with many of these groups having started in just recent weeks.

"The Foothills Branch Library has the most clubs and they have had a really positive response from the community," said Wisdom, who serves as community relations manager for the libraries. "Six people attended the first meeting of the sewing club, and 15 people came to the chess club's first meeting. That library has really gotten a kick out of how many people have been showing up."

Many of these clubs are new and anxiously welcoming new members.

The following is a listing of clubs currently being offered at Yuma County libraries - whether a book club or a manga club:

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YUMA MAIN LIBRARY
2951 S. 21st Drive
782-1871

• Tween Club
What: Different activities each week, including gaming, crafts, book discussions, movies
For: Ages 9-12
When: Regular meeting day/time to be announced, beginning in September.

• Teen Club
What: Different activities each week, including gaming, crafts, book discussions, movies
For: Ages 12-19
When: Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

• Anime Club
What: Teens can watch Japanese anime and read and discuss Japanese manga books
For: Ages 12-19
When: Second Saturday of every month at noon

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DATELAND LIBRARY
Avenue 64E & Interstate 8, Dateland
(928) 454-2242

• Teen Club
What: Different activities each week, including gaming, crafts, book discussions, movies
For: Ages 12-19
When: Every other Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

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FOOTHILLS LIBRARY
13226 E. South Frontage Road, Yuma
342-1640

• Book Club
What: A new book discussion club for adults
When: Regular meeting day/time to be announced.

• "Leer" Spanish Book Club
What: Spanish speakers read and discuss a variety of books written in Spanish or translated into Spanish from other languages
For: Adult Spanish speakers
When: Third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.

• Chess Club
What: Bring your own chessboard, or use one at the library, and engage in a friendly game of chess with other players
For: All ages
When: Every Thursday at 3 p.m.

• Sewing Club
What: Sharing love of sewing, ranging from discussion to demonstrations
For: All ages and levels of experience
When: Regular meeting day/time to be announced

• Gaming Club
What: Teens can play Guitar Hero and other Wii games together
For: Ages 12-19
When: Second Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.

• Anime Club
What: Teens can watch Japanese anime and read and discuss Japanese manga books
For: Ages 12-19
When: Fourth Saturday of the month at 2 p.m.

• Yu Gi Oh Card Club
What: Teens can play card games and trade cards with other collectors
For: Ages 12-19
When: Saturdays at noon

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HERITAGE BRANCH LIBRARY
350 S. 3rd Ave., Yuma
783-5415

• Teen Club
What: Different activities each week, including gaming, crafts, book discussions, movies
For: Ages 12-19
When: Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (new meeting time to be announced soon)

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ROLL LIBRARY
5151 S. Avenue 39E, Roll
(928) 785-3701

• Teen Club
What: Different activities each week, including gaming, crafts, book discussions, movies
For: Ages 12-19
When: Every other Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

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SAN LUIS LIBRARY
1075 N. 6th Ave., San Luis
627-8344

• Anime Club
What: Teens can watch Japanese anime and read and discuss Japanese manga books
For: Ages 12-19
When: One Saturday a month (meeting day/time determined month to month)

• Role Playing Games (RPG) Club
What: Teens can play Dungeons and Dragons and board games
For: Ages 12-19
When: One Saturday a month (meeting day/time determined month to month)

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SOMERTON LIBRARY
240 Canal St., Somerton
627-2149

• Teen Club
What: Different activities each week, including gaming, crafts, book discussions, movies
For: Ages 12-19
When: Starting in September, will meet weekly (day/time to be announced)

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WELLTON LIBRARY
28790 San Jose Ave., Wellton
785-9575

• Book Club
What: Adults are invited to read popular fiction and come together to discuss the book
For: Adults
When: Every other Friday at 10 a.m.

• Del Saber Spanish Book Club
What: Spanish speakers read and discuss a variety of books written in Spanish or translated into Spanish from other languages
For: Spanish-speaking adults
When: Every other Thursday at 4 p.m.

• Principios de Ingles English Conversation Club
What: Opportunity for native Spanish speakers to practice English in a comfortable, low-stress environment
For: Spanish-speaking adults
When: Every other Thursday at 4 p.m.

• Anime Club
What: Teens can watch Japanese anime and read and discuss Japanese manga books
For: Ages 12-19
When: Last Saturday of the month at 2 p.m.

• Chatter Club
What: Teens talk about the latest movies, TV shows, books, music, games and more
For: Ages 12-19
When: Second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. starting Sept. 12