More people, more computers at Palmer library

PALMER -- Palmer Public Library is an increasingly popular place, for both book fans and Web surfers.

Circulation at the library has jumped about 20 percent since this time last year, Library Director Pat Kilmain recently reported to the Palmer City Council, and it isn't just a matter of the same people checking out more books.

"The number of people coming in is also increasing," Kilmain said last week. With the help of a counter on the front door, Kilmain estimates that the library has around 275 to 300 visitors a day. One day last week, more than 350 people filed through the door.

It's no longer just children's books, novels or even videos and books on tape bringing in the patrons, however. A growing attraction is the library's Internet-access computers.

For several years, Palmer library had just one computer for patrons to use to surf the Web. During the past year and a half, the library added five new Internet computers, and two more are expected to arrive soon. Along with these last two computers, paid for by a $13,000 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant, comes a central server to network the computers. The grant will also pay for Kilmain to be trained to operate the server.

These are just the most recent high-tech additions at the library. Earlier this winter, Palmer Public Library also received its new boroughwide catalog computers, which offer better graphics and quicker access to catalog information. As with their predecessors, the computers network with other libraries in the borough, providing patrons with information about where the item can be found and whether it is available or not.

Patrons can access the same information from their home or work computer by going online at www.matsulibraries.org.

More computers and more patrons also translate into more work for the library's staff. With four full-time staff and three part-time, Kilmain says the staff is keeping busy with all of the library's day-to-day activities and special events. She said they are hoping to bring on another temporary, part-time employee to assist in the summer reading program.

The theme for this summer is "Under the Big Top," and the reading circus fun kicks off in mid-June. Each year, the library has nearly 400 youngsters participate in its summer program.

In other library news, Palmer is again featuring the Friends of the Library's silent auction for baskets. Each of the 25 baskets is packed full of a variety of goodies.

People can sign up their bids until April 14.

Last year, the event raised more than $1,000 to help purchase books and pay for special programs at the library.