By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

Last week, the Pelham Public Library donated nearly 100 books to the libraries at Riverchase Middle School and Valley Intermediate School. Funded by the Pelham Public Library’s Smart Investing @ Your Library grant, the donated books not only supplement the students’ lessons in school, they also represent an important partnership between the library and the city school system.

“The library is a fun place and it is a resource also. It can support class work and pleasure reading as well,” Pelham Board of Education member Barbara Regan said. “Everything you can learn in the classroom, there’s something that can enhance or expand on it in the library.”

Visiting the libraries at Riverchase Middle School and Valley Intermediate School brought back fond memories of my school library and the many hours I spent there working on assignments, meeting for group projects and just reading a good book.

Even now, my favorite place to do work away from the office is the Pelham Public Library. You can often find me there writing stories and chatting with the librarians about the latest book I’ve read and what I should read next.

Libraries are a great resource not just for students, but for all ages, and building that connection early is important. The Pelham Public Library offers students a quiet place to study, do homework and read, and a wealth of information, both in print and on the computer.

However, the Pelham Public Library offers more than just books. There are a variety of fun and educational programs, book clubs and interest groups that meet at the library every week. From making gingerbread houses to knitting club, the library has something for everyone.

For more information about the library’s offerings, stop by the Pelham Public Library or visit Pelhamlibrary.com.