Shawneetown library receives new technology, donations
For several years, the Shawneetown Library has applied for grants in an attempt to acquire a microfilm reader-printer, to no avail.
But with the assistance of Kappy Scates, the library applied for and was granted a Library Technology Grant. The U-Scan Reader Printer was received in December 2014, and staff members say it is a valuable asset to the library. Genealogical information can be found on the machine and printed or emailed.
Another addition was made to the library in the form of the late Betty Head's historical works. Head was the resident Gallatin County historian and also a former librarian at the Shawneetown Public Library.
Those her knew Head say her knowledge and expertise in local history was second to none.
"Betty dedicated her life to organizing, researching, writing, and speaking about the history of Shawneetown and Gallatin County," said Mary Ann Patton.
A friend of Head's, Christy Short, organized much of Head's information into several notebooks. These notebooks are on display in the library. Art (Bubbo) Heath, along with the help of Ken Baker, built shelves and donated them to the library to hold these historical writings.
Earlier this year, the library acquired three laptops, accessories, a printer, a fax machine, a CD burner and numerous library supplies courtesy of Dave Howard Labs, Inc., Howard Brothers, Oldham Brothers, H.J. Logsdon Farms and David Logsdon Farms.
In April, the library received iPads, iPad Minis, cases for the iPads and 24 headphone sets to be used with Reading Rainbow DVDs. Reading Rainbow books to accompany the DVDs will be acquired. These books, approximately 300 in number, and the DVDs will be available to children<span class="s1">. </span>Lucy Bugea donated these items to the library.
Earlier in May, R.G. Berry Trucking generously gave the library a $500 donation and Legence Bank gave the library a $100 donation.
Robin Johnston, from the University of Illinois Extension will be doing the Summer Reading Program, beginning the second<span class="s1"> </span>Thursday in July at 1 p.m. Other dates and times will be available on the library's Facebook page.
The library's annual bake sale will take place during Coal Days on<span class="s1"> </span>Friday, June 5.