The Baldwinsville Public Library celebrated the opening of its public computing center and business resource center with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house last Friday.
Using grant monies, the library expanded its reference area, training facility and added the new business resource center.
“When the economy is tough, it is good to see the library take a proactive stance,” Assemblyman Will Barclay said during the ceremony.
Mayor Joseph Saraceni added the library is a great resource for both village and greater Baldwinsville residents. “As a business owner, I will certainly utilize the new center,” he said.
The library was recently awarded a $244,517 Public Computer Center grant as part of the broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It was one of 30 libraries across New York State to receive this federal stimulus grant, which will provide more than 860 computers in 30 libraries and five mobile training centers across 41 upstate New York counties.
The business resource center will offer patrons a plethora of resources, in addition to mobile training laptops, a new SmartBoard, expanded hours and an increased number of computers available to the public. Overall, the grant will increase the library’s training abilities.
“I think this is one of the most advanced libraries in the county,” said Carl Lutz, the library’s network engineer. “They have always been ahead of the curve.”
“It is a jewel in our community,” said Robert Manning, president of the library board of trustees.
