Children's department installs new computers
CRANBERRY TWP — Thanks to a federal grant, the Cranberry Public Library recently upgraded from outdated desktop computers to touch-screen computers and tablets in its children’s department.
The library earlier this year got $20,337 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, library director Leslie Pallotta said.
Five desktop computers — that were more than 9 years old — in the children’s department were replaced in November with two new desktop computers and three iPads.
All five of the stations have touch-screens and they are loaded with applications that are educational and can help children learn to read and expand their vocabulary, said Annemarie Lamperski, youth services librarian.
They can access the Internet and are available to children of any age.
Lamperski and Pallotta said that the new computers have been well received and frequently used since they were installed.
“The kids took to it right away. There was no learning curve whatsoever,” Pallotta said.
Jessica Sandherr of Cranberry recently took her 4-year-old son, Jaxson, on a trip to the library. He quickly figured out how to use an application featuring Elmo and SpongeBob.
“I think it’s a good learning tool,” she said.
The library also will be getting 12 new iPads from the grant money to be used in a new weekly story time program. Starting in January on Thursday nights, Lamperski will lead a new interactive story time for children ages 3 to 6 and their parents.
The children will be able to follow along with the story and interact on the tablets.
Since the library has a limited number of iPads, participants will have to register in advance to assure a spot in the interactive story time.
The library’s regular story time programs, 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, will not be affected.
Pallotta said the library has a balanced budget, including a 1-mill real estate tax levied by the township, but frequently looks for grant opportunities to offer as much as it can to the community.
“We’re very lucky to be in Cranberry and be adequately funded, but anything we do that is above and beyondis coming from grant dollars,” Pallotta said.
To learn more about the library or register for programs, visit cranberrylibrary.org.
