Robson residents enjoy sitting and reading the Wall Street Journal and four other publications sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Klaus Dannenberg
A December 2019 nationwide Gallup poll revealed that visiting the library remains the most common cultural activity for most Americans, by far! The Robson Library, a vibrant part of our community, clearly supports that trend! The Gallup survey disclosed that the average 10.5 annual library visits reported by U.S. adults exceeds their participation in eight other common leisure activities, including the movies (5.3 times annually), attending sporting events (4.7 times), attending live music or theatrical events (3.8 times), visiting national or historic parks (3.7), visiting museums (2.5), and visiting casinos (2.5). Trips to amusement or theme parks and zoos are the least common activities reported in the survey (less than twice a year each). What’s really amazing is that these prioritized rankings were unchanged no matter how they were segmented: by age group, by household income, by regions of the country, and other approaches.
It’s no surprise that our Robson Ranch Library is a much used and enjoyed amenity. It offers a wide range of activities—with something for everyone! Of course, there are always items to check out and enjoy at home — books (hardcover, paperback, audio, and even large-print editions), periodicals, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles. Many residents enjoy working together on jigsaw puzzles in the library (there are usually several in progress). Most days you’ll find someone comfortably seated, reading one of the four national and local newspapers now available in the library. Just added to the available subscriptions is The New Yorker magazine! Even if you don’t have time to read this weekly, you’re sure to get a chuckle from the renowned cartoons. Several computers are available to residents in the library for internet browsing or computational interests. Of course, many enjoy the library simply as a place to relax, read, and socialize with other patrons.
Hosted by Friends of the Library (FOL), various group activities draw residents into the library. FOL’s quarterly Book Discussions have become a big hit! Panels of residents lead the discussions, offering personal insights and stimulating attendees to share their own thoughts. The next discussion is scheduled for May 14, when Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow will be highlighted. A monthly reading group for The New Yorker is being formed now (with the organizational meeting on April 19), and a unique program on Understanding Social Media will be offered on April 21. 2019’s Puzzle Palooza was so popular that FOL plans to offer a Puzzle Palooza Encore this coming November. (Robson residents can make anything competitive, even puzzles!)
Our Friends of the Library, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed in the spring of 2018 for the sole purpose of supporting the library. Lend your voice to the FOL’s advocacy by joining. (Place your dues in the FOL Drop Box in the library.) Membership is only $10 annually (July 1 through June 30) with all dues and donations directed entirely toward supporting library needs.
If interested in the Gallup survey, contact Klaus Dannenberg at [email protected].