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Home > About the Library > Press Releases
March 1, 2004 Library Book Discussion Group Picks Book for March March 4, 2004 Libraries Offer Free Internet Accounts March 24, 2004 Gates Foundation Provided Updates for Library Computers March 27, 2004 LaVale Library Holding Another Plant Exchange April 3 March 27, 2004 Library System Informed of Opportunity for Historians
March 1, 2004 Library Book Discussion Group Picks Book for MarchPRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System Contact: Linda Burkey South Cumberland Library 100 Seymour Street Cumberland, MD 21502 South Cumberland Library’s Book Discussion Group have picked Peace Like a River by Leif Enger to discuss on Thursday, March 25 at 7PM. Enger’s book has many of the components of a contemporary story: a dad raising three children on his own, bullies that will not let up, and a kid on the run from the law. Set in the early 60’s, in Minnesota, it has a message for today’s families. The strong bond between family members can be miraculous, making it possible to survive almost anything. The Book Discussion Group meets the 4th Thursday of each month. Everyone is invited to join the discussions. Copies of the book are available at your local library.
March 4, 2004 Libraries Offer Free Internet AccountsPRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System Contact: John Taube Allegany County Library System 31 Washington Street Cumberland, MD 21502
The Allegany County Library System is now offering Sailor Cruise Accounts. Cruise accounts are free, temporary, dial-up internet access accounts. Cruise accounts are available for anyone with an Allegany County Library card who is at least 18 years old. Library users may sign up at any library location by completing a Sailor Cruise Account Request Form and signing to the acceptable use agreement. “This is a great way to try out the internet and experience it at no cost,” says John Taube, Director of the Library System. “After submitting your application, it should take about 2 weeks to establish your account, Sailor and your local library will notify you by telephone when your account package is ready.” You will receive a local telephone number to use and instructions to set up your computer. To take advantage of a Cruise account, users will need a computer running Windows 95 or a more recent operating system, a modem, a phone line, and a web browser. Once connected, you can establish an email address through any of the free email services available. Set up and technical support is also available through the Sailor help desk. The Cruise account will automatically expire after 90 days.
March 24, 2004 Gates Foundation Provided Updates for Library ComputersPRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System Contact: Linda Burkey South Cumberland Library 100 Seymour Street Cumberland, MD 21502
“Gates computers” located in all branches of the Allegany County Library System have recently been updated with the new Windows XP Operating System, Microsoft Office XP, and new Magic School Bus software. This upgrade will allow local residents the opportunity to improve their skills on these Microsoft products. The public can also use it for their own personal projects, such as resumes, reports, spreadsheets, term papers, and power point presentations. Don’t have a computer at home? Let your projects have that professional look by using a library computer! New Magic School Bus Episodes covering BUGS, ANIMALS AND VOLCANOS have also been added for the children. “The other magic school bus educational software were so popular with the kids,” explains library staff member Lisa McKenney, “We know that these new editions with be a hit.” The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle Washington, at the beginning of 2003, provided the library system with 33 of their top-of-the-line computers, loaded with the latest software. They also provided for the Gates Computer Training Lab at the system’s Frostburg Branch, and have trained all library staff and provided technical support and maintenance for the equipment. The Gates Foundation works to ensure that all people, especially the poor, have access to computers. They do this in the United States as well as in other countries around the world. The library system would also like to ensure that all local residents feel as comfortable as possible learning to use these tools. A step-by-step tutorial is provided online covering Office XP for those who would like to learn the ins and outs on their own. Also “the computer companion: 30 practical lessons”, “computer quick guides For English Speakers”, and “WEBGUIDES: sites to explore for information and fun” are three teaching guides that have been provided in book format for use by individuals and classrooms. Library staff have also been trained and are available to try and answer any questions you may have. Computer classes for the public are conducted by the library system, free of charge, at the Gates Training Lab in Frostburg. A class schedule is available at any library branch and on the library’s website at http://lib.allconet.org. McKenney added that “For those wishing to see all these new features firsthand, an Open House is planned as part the system’s National Library Week Celebration. Mark your calendar for April 19, from 4-6 PM, and come to the Gates Computer Training Lab. Everyone is invited!”
March 27, 2004 LaVale Library Holding Another Plant Exchange April 3PRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System Contact: Pam Neder LaVale Public Library 815 National Highway LaVale, MD 21502
A “Plant Exchange” will take place at the LaVale Branch of the Allegany County Library System on Saturday, April 3 from 1-2 PM. Anyone with too many houseplants or outside plants is invited to bring them to the library for the swap. Books with information on raising plants indoors and outdoors, as well as landscaping, will be available to borrow. “We’re hoping people will be able to pick out some plants they may never have thought of growing, maybe be exposed to some they’ve never even seen,” commented Linda Burkey, Coordinator of Community Outreach for the library system. “We have so many excellent gardeners in our local communities. Look around, and you will see beautiful gardens everywhere! Last year when we had the Fall Houseplant Swap, attendees also enjoyed sharing gardening experiences. It was a fun time for everyone.”
Library System Informed of Opportunity for HistoriansPRESS RELEASE - Allegany County Library System Contact: Linda Burkey South Cumberland Library 100 Seymour Street Cumberland, MD 21502
The Allegany County Library System has received information on the 3rd Regional History Conference, “Catoctin Crossroads: Folk Traditions and History in Mid-Maryland,” that will be held at Frederick Community College, Frederick, Maryland, October 1-2, 2004. An invitation to participate is being extended to historians whose work covers the history and culture of Mid-Maryland and the adjacent areas of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia along with scholars, preservation specialists, students, and others interested in presenting papers, participating in workshops, panel discussions, or other types of sessions related to the subject. A one-page proposal (title, outline/brief description, and equipment/software needs?), biographical sketch, and contact information should be submitted by March 31, 2004. Please direct all proposals and correspondence to : Barbara Powell, Conference Coordinator Catoctin Center for Regional Studies, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. Powell can also be reached by e-mail at bpowell@frederick.edu or by Fax at 301-846-2498. Call 301-624-2803 for more information. |
