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 The Susquehanna County Library systems
extend an invitation to Susquehanna County residents to explore the world of computers at the Main
library and its branches in Hallstead, Susquehanna, and Forest City through access to the worldwide
web, tutorials in Microsoft office suite programs, and wide source of research options.
“We’re especially delighted to provide county residents with an opportunity to learn computer skills
free of charge,” says Sue Stone, Administrator/Librarian. She explains that the county library system
was the recipient of a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that includes computer workstations
and software, a scanner, and a package of interactive lessons on using the various software programs.
Library staff is on hand to get users started in the Office Suite lessons that range from word processing
to how to put together a PowerPoint presentation. The main library and all of the branch libraries are now
equipped with these work stations.
The county library system also provides, through its website
www.susqcolibrary.org, access to a wide variety
of research resources for students from kindergarten to graduate school. “The Pennsylvania Power Library
provides free access to quality, accurate information from reliable providers 24 hours a day, from your home,”
says Hilary Caws-Elwitt. “All that is required is a library card.” The Power Library includes databases of
education, public information, and medical information, along with resources specifically for children that
include SIRS Discoverer, Big Chalk and Searchasaurus. “Librarians are professional searchers, “ Hilary explains,
adding that library staff are on hand to guide first time users through the process. “Users can call, or email
us with questions on how to use these resources, or, if you can’t find an answer, we can often be of assistance
in searching it out.”
Patrons can also use the library’s computer resources to set up a free email account. “We’re seeing an increasing
number of senior citizens who enjoy coming to the library to use the computers to send messages to their families,”
Hilary says. “Using the computers here means they don’t have the expense of setting one up at home.”
As the library begins to plan for its future expansion, foremost in their minds is a need to continue to meet
patron’s needs for computer access. “Computers are part of the library of the future,” Sue explains. “With
additional space and more staff, we’ll be able to provide more classes, and more computers for the public to use.” |
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