EAFB Patrons take in Holbrook learning opportunities.
Ellsworth Air Force Base’s Holbrook Library is considered small by Air Force standards, but its footprint (more than 28,000 cataloged items in addition to its online resources) makes it a beacon of opportunity for military members and their families.
Here’s how to get there and take advantage of what it offers:
Where: 2650 Doolittle Drive (between the Commissary and the Base Theatre) When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday. 8:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday.
(The library is closed on Federal holidays and Family Days, and open half days on the second Wednesday of each month for wing training.)
Here are the Holbrook Highlights:
•Mission essential publications for squadrons and Chief of Staff publications for professional development, access
to CLEP/DANTES and AFOQT study materials.
• Inter-Library Loan, a Maker Space with two 3D printers, STEM kits and games for all ages.
• Personal and military network accessible computers and limited printing and scanners are also provided.
• The “Raider Retreat” is a quiet spot
for study and small group gatherings engaging in quiet conversations.
• Little Warrior’s Story Time fosters a love of books, reinforces reading at home, builds language skills and provides social interaction while encouraging creativity.
• The DOD-MWR Summer Reading Program helps prevent “summer slide” and provides fun ways to stay connected to learning and friends over the summer while earning prizes for reading.
• Homeschooling resources – all resources are free. Book, cultural, and seasonal displays cover a variety of topics with take home resources and are changed out with a different focus each month.
• Child and family friendly, including children’s area with a jungle-themed mural, soft chairs, a table to play with blocks or color, a play panel activity island, and a Touch to Play Virtual Game center.
A mom’s perspective
For Shara Weinfurter, the Holbrook Library is the perfect place to unplug. “We check out piles of books,” said the mom of three. Her husband, Dan, serves with the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. They moved to the base in 2023 and she home-schools the kids, 12, 10 and 4. “After moving here, just like every time I move, I had zero friends and had to start over,” she said. “We got involved with the library, started attending events, and a short time later, I made several other mom friends which evolved into relationships away from the library.” Her kids gravitate to the story time, hands-on activities and clubs, like the airplane model club that is hosted by a retired veteran. And for mom, it’s the perfect place to connect.
By Kayla Gahagan