Library program connects pen pals

A new avenue of communication will be opening through the Weatherford Public Library in Red Bay for citizens to be able to connect through shared reading interests with the Library Pen Pals Program. 

The Northwest Regional Library, which is in Winfield, is coordinating the program through different libraries in Franklin, Marion and Lamar counties. 

“We hope that as people discuss books with their pen pal, this will get them to branch out and check out different types of books,” said Weatherford Library director Linda Ezzell. “This could get more people coming into the library, and hopefully it will get more people invested in reading.”

A person who participates through the Weatherford library will be matched up with another person in the region who marks similar reading interests.  

Discussions among pen pals are not limited to reading interests, with a hope of encouraging new friendships. 

Ezzell said the Pen Pal Program is aimed at senior citizens, though all ages are encouraged to participate, to give them additional interaction and find new people they are compatible with in a safe way during the pandemic. “This will give them a new outlet they can use,” Ezzell said.

People can register for the Pen Pal Program online at northwestregional.net or through the Weatherford Library. After registering, they will be matched with a pen pal with similar reading interests hopefully by April 1.  

Ezzell said this is the first time Northwest Regional Library and Weatherford Library will have a pen pal program, and it is still in the early stages. 

For more information on the program or to register, contact the Weatherford Library at 256-356-9255 or visit the Northwest Regional site at northwestregional.net.