Tech-savvy library 100 years young
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Technology training specialist Mandy Moran, right, teaches a free computer class to interested students at North Lake County Public Library.
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POLSON — Who is Polson’s most tech-savvy 100-year-old? North Lake County Public Library, that’s who.
The library celebrates its centennial this fall, and up-to-date technology has a lot to do with its current focus and popularity. From laptops to e-books, MP3 players to free Facebook classes, the library has the cutting-edge tools to disseminate information – although in completely different ways than it did in 1912. That’s the year the library was established.
Nowadays, free high-speed wireless Internet access is always available, along with a wide selection of electronic books to enjoy on a Kindle, Nook or other e-reader. Patrons can download an audio book or check out a laptop to use in the library. Best of all, there’s someone to help you troubleshoot. North Lake County Public Library has a full-time technology training specialist, Mandy Moran, who offers classes and one-on-one tutorials Monday through Thursday – all free of charge. Topics include Internet 101, e-mail, e-books, MontanaLibrary2Go, photo editing, Facebook, Microsoft Office, genealogy and homework tools, among others.
Classes and tutorials range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Technology newcomers are encouraged to sign up, as is anyone who simply wants to improve his/her existing skills. The public is welcome to come learn Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or Publisher – or just stop by for some problem-solving. A monthly class schedule is posted, and drop-ins are always welcome.
The library’s new offerings are a huge contrast to 1912, when the brand-new Polson library had just a handful of hardback books collected by local women. It was housed in a small loan office. Yet the library’s mission remains the same: to provide a welcoming, contemporary center of literacy and lifelong learning for all users. And there is still a wide variety of good, old-fashioned books – which can now be accessed through an extensive partnership of Montana libraries.
As the library celebrates its 100th birthday, it is also preparing for the next century by helping users stay abreast of fast-developing technology.
Call 406-883-8225 or stop by the circulation desk to find out how you can take part.
The library is located at 2 First Ave. E. in Polson.
