On Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, the S.H.S. Library Club took their final field trip of the school year. Accompanied by advisor Heather Johnson, the club went to two public libraries, Sterling Public and Dixon Public, as well as local and independent book store, Books on First. 

  The club started off their day by taking a tour of the Sterling Public Library given by Beth Dettman. Dettman is the young adult librarian and offered a lot of insight into what the library has to offer. The club got to see and learn about all the community events the library offers as well as the many genres and types of books.

  Following the Sterling Public Library tour, the club went to a local bookstore, Books on First, located in downtown Dixon. Johnson wanted the club to be able to see the difference between an independent bookstore and chain bookstore, as the club had already visited a Barnes and Noble on their previous field trip. Johnson says that the “biggest highlight was having a stranger offer to buy a book for each Library Club member at Books on First. It was such a kind gesture, and each of [her] club members got to pick out a book from this generous stranger!” 

  For their last tour of the day, the club went to Dixon Public Library. The tour was given by the teen librarian Bree Doyle. There, they got to see the ins and outs of the library, all of the events they offer, and the wide variety of genres. Dixon Public Library also offers tools to be checked out, such as crochet hooks, knitting needles and machines, and many more. 

  Senior Adriana Jenkins liked Dixon’s library because “the layout is more manageable and organized compared to Sterling’s, as well as the environment being more comfortable.” 

  The Library Club finished off their day with getting lunch at local restaurants in downtown Dixon. 

  This field trip was a great way for the students to experience the uniqueness of each library and bookstore and see how no two are exactly the same.