Those needing free computer access have a new resource at the Crystal City Public Library.
Amy Shirley, Crystal City Public Library director, said the library recently installed four new public access computers to provide internet access to area residents. The computers are available those 13 years old and older.
“You don’t have to be a library patron to use the computers,” Shirley said. “People love to stop by and browse with no questions asked.”
Shirley said the library replaced their aging public access computers earlier this year with more efficient machines.
“We replaced computers that were ancient with these new models so the difference to the community is really stark,” Shirley said. “We needed faster computers for our patrons, and it had been probably five years since they were replaced.”
Shirley said patrons use public access computers for many different purposes, such as checking email, banking, homework and conducting government and personal business, such as job searches and obtaining medical documents. She said for many people, library computers are their only resource to get online.
“Many older people don’t have their own computers,” Shirley said.
Shirley said there is also an additional new computer for “library lookups” to search for materials, such as books, DVDs, CDs and more.
She said the library bought the computers with a $9,995 Technology Mini Grant for “Digital Connection and Access” from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
Shirley said the library offers many services, including copying, faxing, printing, internet access, Wi-Fi, voter registration, a meeting room and a summer reading program.
Shirley said the library is collaborating with the Festus Public Library on a kick-off event for the summer reading program from 9-11 a.m. May 30 at the Festus Public Library. She said sign-ups for the summer reading program will start at Crystal City Public Library on June 1.
For more information, call the library at 636-937-7166 or email cclib63019@yahoo.com.