Dassel Public Library
The Dassel Public Library has made some vast improvements in an effort to better serve its patrons, including the addition of more computers with Internet access.
With Internet use skyrocketing over the past year, the library added five new computers, four with Internet access. Prior to the purchase, there had only been two computers, according to Doni Adams, library assistant.
“Usage has gone up tremendously,” Adams said. She attributes the increase in usage to job searches and online banking. The new equipment is also bringing in more users along with the addition of Chilton’s online automotive repair manuals, Adams said.
Among other improvements, the library building, which is located inside the city hall complex in downtown Dassel, also had new flooring installed. Rearranging the book shelves and replacing older books with a newer collection provided more space, as well.
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.
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 Minnesota authors, such as mystery novelist Julie Kramer, author of the book “Stalking Susan.”
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.
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 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 7 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The library also hosts story time twice a month; the second and fourth Tuesday mornings, from 9 to 10 a.m. The story time leaders concentrate on reading readiness, one of the most important indicators of success in school, said Head Librarian Jeanette Stottrup.
