The Rock County Public Library is planning a two-day open house on Tuesday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 16 to celebrate the arrival of all the new equipment and furniture the library has received through the Library Broadband Builds Nebraska Communities project. New equipment includes ten new computers with Webcams, a projector, two scanners, a laser black & white printer, a laser colored printer and several new desks and chairs. One of the computers is ADA compatible including all the necessary software. The value of the computers, software, and furnishings are valued at $17,282.76. The computers are installed and ready for use by the public. The computers can be used free of charge to access court records, find health information, take advantage of educational opportunities, hunt for jobs, explore small business options, etc.
Planned activities include a special adult book discussion of “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett at 4:30 p.m. on the 15th with pie served to attendees. A noon luncheon is planned on November 16th from 12:00 to 1:00 at the library with demonstrations on using the computers to Skype using the Webcams. Another demonstration at the luncheon will be e-readers and other devices that can be used for reading books with four readers available for the public to try out. The book discussion and noon luncheon require advanced pre-registration to insure adequate food & seating arrangements. Please call 402-684-3800 or e-mail rockcolib@huntel.net. There will be a $3 cover charge for the soup & sandwich luncheon. Refreshments will be served to all who stop in the library on Tuesday from 1-5:30 and Wednesday from 1-9 p.m. Door prizes include a new Wi-Fi Kindle, flash drives, and pop-up book lights.
The library staff will provide free access to the Internet along with training for many levels of users. For example, those seeking new computer skills, looking for a job, or researching health information can learn here. Over the next year, many training sessions will be offered in the center including one hour one-on-one free training by appointment provided by staff during regular library hours.
“New technologies have helped all libraries but have been especially important in our many rural communities,” said Rod Wagner, Nebraska Library Commission Director. “Public libraries are the most commonly used place (outside the home or office) for accessing the Internet.”
This project was supported in part by the Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.