Sean C. Morgan
The Sweet Home Public Library has replaced its public computers using grant funds.
The grant is from Trust Management Services, said Library Director Rose Peda.
TMS is an organization that works with charitable givers to facilitate “sound funding decisions and maximize responsible giving in Oregon. “
“They granted us $9,667, and we used it to replace the six public access computers and two circulation computers., including new software upgrades from Windows XP to Windows 7.”
Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, Peda said, so the computers needed an upgrade to avoid potential security issues.
The old computers were four or five years old, Peda said, and they couldn’t handle Windows 7.
The computers are popular with library patrons, she said. They’re often full, although there are times several are available.
They’re available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, Peda said.
The library also provides WiFi for laptop users.
Members of the public can use the computers for an hour at a time normally, but the library staff allows exceptions when people are working on job applications, school work and online testing.
“We have quite a lot of online students in this community, and they’ll come in and use our computers,” Peda said.
A small portion of the grant, less than $500, is being used to purchase hardware to put up displays, she said.
The library will have new book ends where it can put out new books so they’ll catch people’s eyes.
“We’re really grateful to Trust Management for that grant,” Peda said.
For more information, call the library at (541) 378-5007.