Adventures in Libraryland: Survey notes how libraries are used; Internet use ranked high

Every now and then, I just have to insert some librarian stuff in here. I'm happy to admit that I enjoy hearing about library news and items of interest involving libraries. It's an occupational hazard and one that makes me the person you don't want to talk to at a cocktail party unless you are already interested in the subject. So this is your only warning that I am about to embark on general library topic. Feel free to jump over this bit if your eyes are already rolling back in your head.

A study conducted by the American Library Association (ALA), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ALA, found that more than 73 percent of libraries report they are the only source of free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities. Surveyed libraries said that the top three Internet services most critical to their community are online educational resources and databases for K-12 students (67.7 percent), services for job seekers (44 percent), and computer and Internet skills training (29.8 percent).

The Library Journal quoted Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of "Freakonomics," in their August edition and I thought it was a fascinating comment. "If there were no public libraries today, can you imagine modern publishers being willing to sell one copy of a book and then let the owner let an unlimited number of strangers borrow it?"

Thus endeth my rambling.

On beyond Google

There was a time when public libraries had collections of phone books from all over so that a person could look up their great aunt Maudie's number in Lodi, Ohio. But now the phone companies charge for the phone books -- even public libraries--if you don't live in the community in question. The solution? Go to whowhere.com. You can look up phone numbers for all your lost relatives.

Check it out

There's still room in the beginner computer class: How To Boil Water. The class takes place on Thursday (Sept. 20) at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required so call 886-3391 to sign up.

Circle of days

Classic Book Club, Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m.

Up for Discussion Book Club, Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. This meeting will be only to choose next month's title.

New materials

Fiction

"Just Beyond the Clouds" by Karen Kingsbury

"Dead Heat" by Dick Francis

"Bone Garden" by Tess Gerritsen

Non-fiction

"Water Carried Up the Hill" by Carol Raynor

"Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and her Father" by John Matteson

Audiobooks

"Sweet Revenge" by Diane Mott Davidson