It's Tax Time Again

Yesterday was the first day the AARP Taxaide people were here in the library. They came with their computers and stacks of papers and pencils, and they were prepared to help all who came to have their taxes done.
When I walked past the door of the Willcoxon Auditorium at 9:30 a.m., the preparers were busily working on the taxes of the people sitting in front of them. I looked around the room and counted 20 people, eleven just sitting there, waiting to be "next." Some were reading books, others talking. Some just sitting and waiting. But all there for the same purpose. And they were only the first bunch to show up.
Every Tuesday from February 5th (which was yesterday) to April 15th, the AARP Taxaide staff will be in the Willcoxon Auditorium to assist with taxes. They will be there from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on those days, and may stay even a little longer on April 15th.
This service is provided free by AARP at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a United States-based non-government organization (a special interest group). It was the word formerly that caught my attention. When I checked out their website (and Wikipedia), I learned that because its focus had become broader than American retirees, in 1999 it officially changed its name to just "AARP" (pronounced one letter at a time, "A-A-R-P"). And it no longer requires that members be retired. The organization claims over 38 million members, making it one of the largest membership organizations for people age 50 and over in the United States, and membership is expected to grow significantly as baby boomers age.
So, helping to prepare taxes, for those who meet the criteria, is just one thing AARP does. And you'll find them here at the library every Tuesday for the next few months. If you need their help, just show up at the appointed time (usually 9:00 a.m.) and take a seat.
Oh, and you might want to bring a book to read while you wait. If you don't have one, remember you're in the library and can check out one. Be sure to bring your library card!
(Sources: http://www.aarp.org/, http://www.wikipedia.org/)