Twenty-nine GEAR UP students recently visited area public libraries to learn about resources and programs available within the different library systems of Oklahoma. Students began the morning by visiting the McAlester Public Library. Yuliya Zhugina, McAlester Public Library’s Youth Services Coordinator, talked with students about summer and after-school programs the library offers free of charge. The programs offered are educational, social, fun, and FREE. Zhugina is excellent at planning activities that teens are interested in and eager to participate. There is a monthly schedule with activities for all age groups. On the third floor there is a room designated for

Thirty-two Eufaula eighth grade GEAR UP students recently visited McAlester Public Library, in the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma, and the Eufaula Memorial Library, which is in the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System. Both libraries are within 30 miles of each other but are in different Oklahoma library districts and can offer different resources. Students began the morning by visiting the McAlester Public Library. Chris Elliott, the Information Resources Librarian, welcomed students to the White Acre Room to inform students about the free online resources available through www.oklibrary.net. During the visit, students were able to access computers and follow

Forty-three Eufaula GEAR UP students recently visited area public libraries to learn about resources and programs available within the different library systems of Oklahoma. Students began the morning in McAlester touring the large library. Ellen Barlow, Branch Manager, greeted students and led them through the building to showcase the various sections and how items are organized. Students were surprised to learn the various types of media available to patrons. There are video games for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, graphic novels and numerous books that can all be checked out for free. Barlow was great to