Lamar Library Hosts Children’s Computer Center

Kid’s Computer Center

What will their world be like when they’re 50?  Thinking back to libraries a half century ago with rows and rows of books and magazines, to today’s information technology that accesses information at the touch of a button; you have to visualize what libraries will be like in the future.  Interactive, touch-screen computers were put into operation recently for the Children’s Computer Center at the Lamar Library.  A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the Center was held Saturday, October 4 which also recognized the donation from the Huddleston-Butler Foundation that made the Center a reality.

(L-R) Oscar Riley, Jack Van Hook, Judy Arnold, Mikki Cartright, Roger Stagner, Jan Hall, Cammie Cathcart, John Lefferdink

“Children from 10 years and younger will be able to come and use these computers,” said Lamar Librarian, Debbie Reynolds. She told the gathering that school systems are relying more on computer generated homework, and a lot of children in the community do not have computers at home.  “They’ll be able to stay current with their schedules and not fall behind their other classmates,” she explained.  Reynolds said the library will travel to the schools to let the children and teachers know the system is up and running for them. “We hope now they’ll be used a lot because they’ve been old and slow for a very long time,” she added.  The donation financed an upgrade to the computers to incorporate state of the art programming through Windows 8.

Kid’s Reading Nook

The computers are designed both for information, tied into the Library’s information system. Various age-appropriate games and learning systems are also available, using either the colored keyboards or the touch-screens on each of the three computers.  Reynolds said the children’s librarian will be available to assist any youngsters who need information on using the systems or if they want to check out headphones or the computer’s mouse.  She thanked members of the library board and the Huddleston-Butler Foundation, as well as members of the Lamar City Council for their efforts on behalf of the library.

By Russ Baldwin