The heart of our community Published Oct. 9, 2014 By Pvt. Elizabeth Fournier 123rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Community is an important aspect of military life, and the library here, as with most military installations, is a focal point for family activities that are committed to strengthening that bond. The library offers a variety of programs and volunteer opportunities for those interested here. Children's Thursday story time is a program the JB-MDL library provides military children to help them learn to read, provides them an opportunity to meet others and participate in interactive games. It's also a great opportunity for parents to network with each other. "Kids have something to do, parents can visit and get good information and resources from each other," said Cathy Clark, a library aid. The library also provides a plethora of other programs aimed at reading proficiency, tutoring and volunteerism. "We're always looking for activities and volunteers. We have one person who comes in and teaches the children sign language, and another woman who came in previously and gave a PowerPoint to the kids on the history of candy," Clark said. "The moms enjoyed that one as well, seeing some of the candies they ate as children that you don't see anymore." Some volunteers also help the library with simpler but just as helpful tasks such as cleaning up the children's areas and tables throughout the building. "We bring special needs students in to help the library any way they can. It brings positivity and awareness to the programs in the library," said Jessica Volante, a job coach with North Burlington High School. Volante brings in two or three students a week from the high school to volunteer. "Everyone here is helpful and very accommodating. I can see first hand the benefits of the programs the library offers. One of our students was recently hired to help in the library part-time," Volante said. The library is abundant in resources and information, whether it's for school or just to bring families together for their children during story time.