Sept. 25, 2002 – It's always "open house" for readers and information seekers at the Virgin Islands public libraries, but there will be special open houses for a special celebration at territory libraries on Oct. 3.
The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has received and installed the computers that were awarded to the public libraries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of more than $71,000.
The primary aim of the grant is to establish access to the information technology resources through partnerships with state agencies and other public libraries, said a release from the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Every public library in the territory is receiving six additional computers equipped with word processing, reference and children's programs. Software has been made available in Spanish, allowing the libraries to service the needs of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Photo Draw, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Encarta Africana, Encarta World Encyclopedia, Encarta Dictionary and the "Magic School Bus" educational titles for children in Flight, On Mars, and In Space.
The open house schedule is as follows:
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Athalie M. Petersen Public Library, Frederiksted
Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library, Cruz Bay
Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
Enid M. Baa Public Library, Charlotte Amalie
Florence Williams Public Library, Christiansted
The public is invited to view and use the new programs. Staff members will be available to answer any questions the public may have and demonstrate how to properly use the new computers.
For addition information, contact Sharlene Harris, Director of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at 774-3407.
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