Presque Isle County's Library keeping up with times

Time has long since passed when a library was a repository for the latest fiction and non-fiction and Presque Isle County's District Library has kept pace with even the best of libraries throughout northern Michigan.

Special programs coordinator Ann Belanger said providing the latest in print is still a basic function, but computers, educational and cultural materials and using special programs to educate and expand the learning potential of the library's patrons is making a facility like the District Library in Presque Isle County a valuable tool for its patrons.

"It's been a long time since the library simply was a place to get books, a place some students I'll bet felt like they had been sentenced to," Belanger said. "Our library is alive and constantly seeking new ways and new programs to make learning interesting and fun. We have programs for kids, for adults and for those who have special needs all with a goal of providing traditional, cultural and hands-on learning opportunities."

Educational programs offered at the district's four branches in Rogers City, Onaway, Posen and Presque Isle, include computer classes at all four branches, adult, children and youth programs, home schooling and teacher educational materials availability. Belanger said the bottom line is it's only a matter of a few days and any material can be transferred to the main branch and be available for patrons.

Library services include internet service including wireless availability, inter-library loans of virtually any material, on-line catalog availability, a consortium of more than 20 libraries to speed searches and on-hand material service, a newsletter and a connection with the Michigan Electronic Library Catalog. Traditional library services include fiction, non-fiction, Michigan history and Great Lakes books and reference materials, periodicals, DVD's and books on tape and CD's.

Belanger said the programs offered by the library aren't limited to computer connections either and they include summer reading programs story time hours for youngsters and book discussions, appearances by notable authors and enrichment workshops for adults. She said enrichment workshops offer a unique learning experience that includes traditional crafts like basket weaving and Native American drum making classes.

"On an extremely limited budget and the benefits provided through state, federal and local grants we are able to expand the offerings at the library and its branches into areas no one thought possible, Belanger said. " We are attempting to encourage the community to become one of life-long learners."

Belanger said the library also offers a special group of assets to assist the visually impaired that includes large print books but also a visually enhanced computer screen. The staff also can provide a range of GED training materials and books to assist reaching the goal of earning a high school equivalent diploma.

If doing your own research is your favorite, the library offers the assistance of a full-time reference librarian, a wide variety of basic research books and other materials, a juvenile reference section, an extensive genealogy collection and microfilm libraries from local newspapers.

"We offer so much to enhance the learning process and are continually on the look out for new and exciting ways to help of patrons reach whatever goal they've set for themselves," she said. "We invite everyone to stop in and check out what we offer."

Mike Modrzynski can be reached via e-mail at mmodrzynski@thealpenanews.com