Ok, I admit it’s been a while, but I fondly remember my college days when the semester was finished, and I could read a book that I WANTED to read, not one I HAD to read. One weekend I blew off school and read The Godfather by Mario Puzo. Probably paid for it with a lower grade, but to me at the time it was worth it. I just needed a break and distraction during the school year.

For you new or existing college students at UWEC, and CVTC, welcome to Eau Claire. Out of town? Stop at the checkout desk, bring your school ID, and get a library card. We offer great entertainment (books, audio books, music CDs, movies, and all sorts of downloadable media) at a great price. FREE!

Need more info and data? A to Z database helps you to find a business, job, or person, with tons of stuff on cover letters, resumes, and tips. Lynda.com has all sorts of education and tutorial information. Pronunciator is a fun and free way to learn 80 languages. Do you need reference and special collection books? Old books and magazines? See us at the reference desk. What do you need for all of this free stuff? A free library card!

Events? Check out Hogwarts After dark 21+ event Saturday, October 7 • 7–10 p.m. Wizards and muggles alike are invited to a spellbinding celebration of all things Harry Potter. Sample from a few Hogwarts classes, show off your skills in the spell-ing bee, or cut loose by playing Quidditch and hunting horcruxes. Experience the muggle miracle that is a food truck and wash it down with a beverage of choice from the Three Broomsticks. Tickets $12. For details, go to afterdarkec.org.

Eau Claire culture? Ask at the reference desk for Tickets to Adventure. More free stuff! Tickets to check out the Children’s Museum, Chippewa Valley Museum, Beaver Creek Reserve, Chippewa Valley Theater Guild, and even the Chippewa Valley Symphony.

Am I telling you to blow off school and read a good mystery or romance? No. Maybe. Read between the lines….