Dassel Public Library
To better serve its patrons, the Dassel Public Library has made some vast improvements, including providing additional computers with Internet access and, coming soon, downloadable e-books.
The library has added five new computers, four with Internet access due to the increased use of the Internet, particularly with job searches. Before, there were only two computer stations for patrons to use.
Also, with the increased popularity of E-readers and mp3 players, the library will begin offering downloadable e-books and audio books for these devices.
“It’s a big change, but there is a lot of demand for it,” said Beth Cronk, new head librarian. Cronk became head librarian in January 2011.
There will an opening day collection before July 2011, with between 300 and 400 titles and more added throughout the year. Children’s titles and selections for young adults will also be available.
Though Cronk said paper books are not going away anytime soon, e-books are the “wave of the future.”
“It’s a nice thing to be able to offer,” Cronk said.
A branch of the Pioneerland Library system based in Willmar, the Dassel Public Library’s members can access more than 500,000 books, magazines, newspapers, and pamphlets owned by Pioneerland.
The library is also expanding its music CD collection.
In addition, the library system has provided programming through funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, which was passed in 2008.
Such programming has included visits from Minnesota authors, such as Christine Husom, who has written three books in a series titled “A Winnebago Mystery Thriller.” There have also been singer/songwriters and other storytellers provided by the Legacy funding.
The Dassel Library also hosts a summer reading program for youth of all ages as a way to promote reading during the summer months. Check the library for details and dates.
This has been revamped to include prizes for time spent reading, Cronk explained.
There has also been a new program with 4-H at the library, which is offered throughout the school year. In this program, students can participate in crafts and projects with staff from the Meeker County Extension Service.
Dassel Library provides free access to the Internet, Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint and Word, DVDs, videos, books on tape, and summer reading programs for children besides the typical books and periodicals a library supplies.
Library hours September through May are Monday through Thursday 3 to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
Summer hours, June to August, are, Monday through Wednesday 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m and 3 to 7 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
