The Big Sandy Public Library looks a little different today than it did at the beginning of the year. When you walk in the door, the first thing you notice is the new hexagonal table with a computer set up on each side. If you happen to walk in after school has let out, you will also notice a crowd of nearly 30 kids surrounding the computers and talking excitedly. Four of the machines are new computers donated to the library by Triangle Communications.
Big Sandy librarian, Darlene Cline, explained that when Triangle upgrades their computers, the machines they replace are donated to different groups, including the Big Sandy Library. "We got them in February. They gave them to other libraries as well, like Turner and Harlem." Darlene explained "They're not new, new, but they are 2022's" which is a significant upgrade over the 2010 models that the library was using. The 2010 models were also donated to the library when they first opened. "That's how we got our older computers. They were donated when the building was built. They were from the Montana State Library, and they had donated their computers. That's how we got those. Triangle sees the need, that libraries don't have funding for computers and our technology, and they want to help out. So, when they get new technology, they donate to libraries." The donation has already garnered some attention, including an opportunity for her to do a radio interview about the gift.
The new computers are sitting on a new table purchased for the donation. The arrangement allows patrons to gather around the machines in what is essentially a large circle. "We got a new table from the Lippard-Clawiter Foundation. We had to move everything, because the new computers need to be hooked up to Ethernet; they're not wireless. The only ethernet port is right in front of the desk," Darlene explained as to why the shelves were rearranged to make space for the machines.
The computers are a valuable resource for the library as they provide terminals for students to research or do homework, and it provides an activity for kids who gather at the library after school. Darlene explained to me that since the wrestling season ended, around 30 kids congregate at the library every day after school. Some play outside, others read and check out books, but one of the most popular activities is playing games on the computer. She told me about a photo they posted to the Facebook page which featured a crowd of kids playing at the computers, watching over each other's shoulders at the games in progress, and excitedly discussing the whole event.
The presence of such a large crowd of kids around the library computers fits well with the role the library has taken on in recent years. It has gradually become a community center of sorts, where moms gather in the middle of the day, seniors meet for books clubs and research, and kids gather for homework or socializing.
While I was interviewing Darlene, Emmet LePinnet an elementary student from the community, came up to check out a book. After overhearing our conversation, he commented on the new computers. "Every Monday and Thursday, I sometimes get a book and play Paper Dot Eyes (a computer puzzle game). I got first place today." The upgrade in technology serves our kids by giving them yet another reason to congregate and utilize our local library, which provides great activity options in a centralized location.
The library staff is currently looking into offering technology/computer classes to the community. They are open to input regarding what sort of interest locals have in potential topics for classes.
