Weiser library handing out free books as part of summer program for kids

The Weiser public library has “something for everyone” at the summer reading book giveaway each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the library.
 Librarian Pat Hamilton estimates the library has given away 400 to 500 free books since the program began a month ago. Kids can pick out two free books from the table located outside.
 The Weiser library, like a lot of other libraries, orders the books through First Book and gets a substantial discount. The library’s only cost is paying for shipping. The books are available for toddlers ages 1-2 up to junior high school, and there are many titles to choose from.
 “We have different books each week and there is a nice variety,” Hamilton said.
 Hamilton said kids that have not used the library much in the past are coming by to get free books, and that’s getting books into the hands of a whole new group of young people. The weekly summer book giveaways will continue until school starts.
 Although the library is closed to the public due to COVID-19, the library’s friendly and knowledgeable staff can help with signing up online for a library card, which provides a password that allows patrons to access the online catalog. Library users can search through a collection of 28,000 books, periodicals, audio books and videos to check out.
 Staff can make suggestions for books that might be of interest based on a user’s past book checkouts. The online reservation system is easy to use. Just click on the item and library staff will have it ready that day for pickup. The public can also call during the current library hours to request books.
 “Every week people are getting used to it,” Hamilton said, of the growing use of online book and DVD browsing and reservations.
 The Weiser Public Library closed to the public in March when the governor issued a stay-home order in a public health effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order issued by the governor also closed all non-essential businesses. When the library will open to the public again is not known.
 The library’s hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Call 208-549-1243 for information and for help reserving books and other items like DVDs online.