Books meet art at local libraries
Literary classics satisfy local scholars; for fun, rent CDs, videos

By Jeremy Brown, Caller-Times

   Programs available
   * Children's programs, including storytelling hours and art classes
   * Computer classes
   * Genealogy and local history presentations
   * Reference librarians at your disposal - What's the population of France? Who won the Oscar for best actress? Call 880-7000 and ask for extension No. 2 to find out.
   Every library in the world contains shelves of books, but how many can boast that they hold art openings? At least two. In Corpus Christi, the central library and Janet Harte branches showcase the work of local artists and hold genuine openings. Sure, the wine in a box may be replaced by fruit punch in a cooler, but the principle remains the same.
   But, of course, all local libraries provide respite for bookworms and research hounds, and there are several branches to choose from.
   Corpus Christi Public Library
   For starters, the Corpus Christi Public Library has four branches across the city and an impressive central library in the heart of downtown.
   The library has subscriptions to everything from Architectural Digest to Surfer Magazine, and it devotes a generous portion of its stacks to back issues.
   It has videotapes and compact discs for loan, including numerous classical recordings.
   And then there are the books - row after row of them. All of the bestsellers are there, as well as literary classics.
   The dedicated reader might also be pleasantly surprised to find books at the library that are hard to find at local bookstores, whether because they are out of print or simply because their popularity has faded.
   Local history resource
   On its second floor, the Central Library has a local history room that appeals to both homework-driven students and genealogically minded roots-hunters.
   Curious about Spanish land grants, the history of local churches or the issues reported in newspaper editions of yore? This is the place for you.
   The library also offers classes in computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. And for children, it has story time and craft time.
   A&M libraries
   If your pursuit is more scholarly, try the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
   The library is a designated depository for state and federal government documents. It also has a local archive and subscriptions to countless academic journals.
   Further down the road, you can try Jernigan Library at Texas A&M University- Kingsville.
   Like its Corpus Christi counterpart, this library offers a hushed and spacious setting for even the most challenging work.
   And though all of the libraries have electronic catalogs, the stacks are so extensive that browsing them can be an adventure in itself.