FARMINGTON — Waiting time for access to public computers at the Farmington Public Library is getting better with a recent addition of six new computers, Librarian Melanie Taylor Coombs said.
With the help of a Gates Foundation grant, the six computers with large monitors were added over the weekend by Maine West, bringing the total available to nine, she said Tuesday. Three have been added to the children’s section and the other six are available for adults, she said.
A two-year matching grant provided the six computers this year with three more expected to be added next year.
The cost this year was $10,000 with about $7,800 provided by the Gates Foundation, 75/25 funding. Next year, the cost will be more 50/50, she said.
The focus of the Gates Foundation grant, in part, is to help communities keep up with technology by updating their equipment. Ten years ago when many libraries were purchasing computers, it was with the help of Gates Foundation grants but they found many smaller communities couldn’t keep up with upgrades, she said.
The need for computer use for patrons has increased dramatically. People have increased their library visits and use of computers . . . not only here but it’s a national trend, she said.
“There’s often a waiting line to use the computers. People are in here all the time. Whether that’s because of growing technology use or the present economy, it’s exciting,” she said.
The computers available during regular library hours will have software added, including expanded printing options, she said.
Another computer feature that has drawn many tourists this summer is the library’s wireless connection capacity.
The children especially love the ability to use the computers, she said. The younger ones are looking for computer games while older students like the social interaction network.
“It’s a great way for us to be connected with kids in the community. Most are known by their name,” she said.
Librarian Melanie Taylor Coombs takes a moment Tuesday to show the new computers added to the Farmington Public Library last weekend.
Librarian Melanie Taylor Coombs takes a moment Tuesday to show the new
computers added to the Farmington
Public Library last weekend.
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