Library launching computer lab in February

Four new Hewlett-Packard laptops will be used for a new computer laboratory being developed at the Shawano City-County Library in Shawano. The computers, which will help adults improve their technology skills, were paid for by a $2,400 grant from the Shawano Area Community Foundation. The laptops are expected to arrive in February. Library director Kristie Hauer said classes will help patrons obtain basic computer skills, including how to browse the Internet, set up e-mail, download electronic books and more. The program was prompted by questions from library patrons. “Today’s library is one that responds to its community,” Hauer said. “If there is a demand for something we don’t offer, it is well worth looking into.” All libraries, she said, are adjusting to the public’s demand for more knowledge of current and developing technology. “We are trying to keep up with that with an online presence, by teaching online information, by helping patrons with their digital content like downloading e-books and accessing material online. “Libraries can be very challenging because we are working with a community that has a wide range of needs. There are always new high-tech things which are sometimes harder for all libraries to get with the resources.” Patrons will be able to attend classes for free and receive individualized attention from library staff, who will teach the 30- to 60-minute courses. Classes will be posted in January and are open to anyone in the community. The library hopes to eventually have at least 10 computers, but not more than 15, available for the lab. “We don’t want to get too huge of a computer lab, to keep them a little smaller, so we can give those people more one-on-one class time and attention,” Hauer said. The computer lab will be set up in the Ella Veslak meeting room, away from the main floor, where the public computers are located, and its distractions. “This is an attempt to get a more focused path, off the public floors of the library,” Hauer said. Hauer said the library appreciates the grant from SACF to help launch the lab. “We don’t make money. We look for donations, we look for grants to help with our operating budget,” she said. “We have been very fortunate.”