RANGELEY – At the Rangeley Public Library patrons used the public computers more than 6,000 times to connect to family, apply for jobs, and get in a little work during their long vacation.
According to the 2009 Maine State Library report, this staggering statistic placed the Rangeley Public Library 14th among more than 500 libraries for Internet use per capita.
“I think that the Rangeley Public Library has really started to step up to modernize services. Libraries need to be houses of information for both print and electronic format. The Library will continue to invest in technology and technology services,” said Martin Gagnon, the library’s director.
The worldwide link that the Internet brings to small communities now plays a vital economic and social role. Gagnon said that just in the past week he has seen patrons apply on-line for jobs, print out UPS labels to ship their products, and download government forms for social services.
The library provides 11 computers for public use plus wireless capabilities. There is no charge for use of the computers and both patrons and visitors are encouraged to use them. The Rangeley Public Library is open Tuesday 10 – 7 p.m., Wednesday to Friday 10 – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 10 – 2 p.m.
