BELLOWS FALLS — The best back-to-school supply is a library card. It's free and never goes out of style.
That's according to youth services librarian Sam Maskell, who adds, “Here at the Rockingham Free Public Library, we believe that the playing field in education is leveled when everyone has free access to information.”
Any student attending a Windham Northeast Supervisory Union school – no matter the home address - is eligible for a free library card. All residents of the town of Rockingham are eligible for a free library card, too. The cost for a non-resident card is $25 for six months or $50 for a year.
Studies have shown that children who visit the library regularly often outperform their peers in school. Regular library visits help sustain a person's passion for lifelong learning as well.
An RFPL card provides patrons of all ages with a wide range of free resources: books, movies, magazines, even passes to area parks and museums. Students can use their library cards at home, too. The library offers access to important educational resources, including e-books, online homework help, online databases, and more.
The public is encouraged to use the public computers available at the library to research a topic, stay in touch with family and friends, and take online classes. The library also offers free Wi-Fi for portable digital devices, and staff are always on hand to assist the public.