Community

Public access computers are back at Waldinger library

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The Henry Waldinger Memorial Library is now allowing limited public computer access to patrons. Two socially distanced stations are available in the Adult Room and one in the Children’s Room. The two in the Adult Room can be used for a maximum one-hour session while the one in Children’s room can be used for a maximum thirty-minute session.

“We do know that there are many people in the community who have no computer access and the printing aspect…there are certain things you need to have printed” said Mamie Eng, the Library Director, regarding the importance of the public’s access to computers.

She also added how essential printing services were during the pandemic: “Throughout the entire pandemic, there were people emailing stuff and we were printing left and right. Some people would get their Covid test results, but they needed to print it. We do a lot of printing for the public.”

Patrons can come in-person to see if a computer is available or make a reservation by calling or emailing the library. If a patron fails to claim her spot at the scheduled time, the library will hold the patron’s reservation for up to ten minutes past the hour (which count as part of the hour of use) before the computer is released to the next patron waiting her turn.

Due to health and safety concerns, the staff will only provide limited computer assistance. (Hand sanitizer and wipes are available). The library upgraded its public computer management system during the pandemic. However, the new software only runs on Windows 10 computers. The library placed orders for new computers in May 2021, but the ongoing global microchip shortage has delayed their request.