Upgrades to expand services at Ritzville Library

Over the course of the past few months, staff members at the Ritzville Public Library have been busy working on upgrades to help expand the list of services available to patrons. These updates include both technological and physical improvements to the library.

Library director Kylie Fullmer said the technological improvements began after the library hosted a meeting with key community members last spring. The general feedback from the meeting was that the library needed to improve the technology offered to the public.

Fullmer said these desired improvements included providing high-speed Internet, new computers with updated software, enhanced workstations with adequate outlets, basic computer classes and e-reader assistance.

As of Oct. 17, the library is using a broadband fiber installed by Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) earlier this year. The high-speed Internet access allows patrons opportunities to easily stream video and music, take online courses, and much more.

To celebrate being one of the first organizations using broadband service in Ritzville, NoaNet hosted an open house at the library on Nov. 9. The celebration allowed community members and patrons to learn more about the benefits of broadband services.

With the addition of high-speed Internet, the library also launched a new, more accessible website: ritzvillelibrary.org. The creation of the new website was made possible with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State.

The website allows patrons to search archives, view new materials at the library, download e-books and audio books, and have access to all online materials provided by the library. Fullmer explained the website is also a key resource for individuals to learn about the history of the library, and is convenient for patrons making inquiries about services or programs offered.

“By providing a smart-phone friendly website with direct access to our library catalog, high-speed internet, new computers with the latest software, e-readers and e-books, and improved workstations with more outlets for people using personal devices, we’re hoping to address the various technology needs of our patrons,” Fullmer said.

Aside from bound books, the library also provides patrons with a large variety of e-books through the Washington Anytime Library, http://anytime.lib.overdrive.com. Fullmer explained that library staff members are always available to assist people with e-readers, and no appointments are required.

Also beginning in November, the library will have a NOOK available for customers to borrow with a Kindle available for checkout later this year. This will provide patrons with the opportunity to read the occasional e-book without the additional cost of purchasing their own personal e-reader.

“Libraries everywhere are seeing their role evolve from a place that provides books, to a place that provides information in a variety of formats, and it’s no different in Ritzville,” Fullmer explained. “We get over 200 people a month who specifically come to use our free computers and Wi-Fi because they can’t afford a computer or can’t get internet service at home, and we’ve seen the number of people asking for computer and e-reader help steadily increase over the past year.”

 Because of the high demand of patrons using the library’s computers, Fullmer said the library has been fortunate enough to expand the amount of computers available for use. Three new Dell computers with the latest edition of Microsoft Office software are being installed before the end of the year. Two of these computers were purchased with library funds and the Friends of the Library donated one.

Also by the end of the year, a knowledge center will be installed in the basement. Big Bend Community College (BBCC) donated eight computers to help serve the educational needs within the rural community, and all of the computers have the latest software to allow accessibility to customers.

Visitors who have stopped by the library recently might have noticed the extensive renovation in the basement. Fullmer explained the basement was in need of a variety of upgrades and renovations, and decided to complete all of them in one remodeling process.

The remodel project began with the need to install T8 bulbs in the fixtures by the end of the year to comply with the Avista rebate for removing T12 bulbs. Before the installation of the bulbs, Fullmer said they decided to complete the remodel by removing ceiling panels, and old radiator pipes and installing additional electrical outlets.

The outlets will provide additional space in the basement for patrons to have quiet workspaces. After the remodel process is complete by the end of the year, the basement area will host workstations, serve as a public meeting area, and will house bookcases for part of the library’s non-fiction collection. Fullmer explained that the remodel helps update the basement, as well as alleviate overcrowding issues in the upstairs portion of the library.

“We also want to be a community-meeting place and a center for lifelong learning, which is why we’re remodeling our basement to create a computer lab where we can teach computer classes, and a meeting space for public use and library programs,” Fullmer said. "Ultimately, we want people to think of our library as a place to go for both information and recreation, and improving the technology services we offer is a step in that direction.”

With all of the projects to be completed by the end of December, patrons are asked to be patient during the transition and remodeling process.

For more information about the upgrades at the library, contact Fullmer at 659-1222 or by email at [email protected]. For a complete list of services and programs available at the library, visit the new website, http://www.ritzvillelibrary.org.