The Westbury Memorial Public Library was recently able to significantly upgrade their technology offerings for adults, teens and children through the funding assistance of a $25,000 New York State Special Legislative Project Grant and commitment from Assemblyman Michael Montesano. Since August, children in the Children’s Library have been able to utilize brand new laptops for doing homework research, finding information or playing educational games. Adults in the main library now have access to brand new laptops that they can use for group study or quiet research anywhere in the library.
The library has also unveiled a series of “Self Service” Internet machines for adults and teens to use. The Teen Self Service computers are the core of a newly refurbished Teen Spot in the main library. Here, teens can work in groups to complete homework projects or play a quick session of Minecraft.
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the library has been the introduction of a MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer. This 3D printer will become a centerpiece in young adult programming for the coming months, as the library begins to offer enhanced “Maker” programs and integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) into fun activities.
“This grant could not have come at a more exciting time for us,” said James Hutter, head of the library’s technology department. “Through this grant funding and the generosity of Assemblyman Michael Montesano, we were able to take technologies that we’ve been personally excited about and bring them to our library users. Already, the revamped Teen Spot is a smash hit with our young adults. 3D printing and its potential in the future are huge. We are so happy to be exposing our teens to this cutting edge tech so that they can be comfortable using this important tool in the forthcoming years.”
For more information, visit www.westburylibrary.org.
