Wireless Internet Services Available at County Libraries
By Katherine Craigo, Nicor, Inc.
Thanks to a contribution from Central Valley Gas Storage, the Colusa County Library now provides free wireless internet access at all County Libraries in Arbuckle, Colusa, Grimes, Maxwell, Princeton, Stonyford and Williams. “Customers with personal laptops, smart phones or other portable devices can use the service to access their email, download e-books, complete college assignments or conduct business on-the-fly,” commented Colusa County Librarian Wendy Burke.
The service was funded with an $11,000 donation from Illinois-based Nicor Inc., the company developing the Central Valley Gas Storage, a natural gas storage facility located west of Princeton.
In June, Supervisor Denise Carter announced that the company has provided financial support for several local endeavors including the Colusa County Library.
“It has taken about two months for the County Information Technology Department to complete the technical aspects of the new service, but is well worth it,” said Burke.
“We are already seeing active interest in use by the public in several of our locations, including students and businessmen in Colusa and the medical clinic in Stonyford. It is a great addition to the services provided by the Library,” she added.
The service is available during regular library hours.
Additionally, the donation from Central Valley Gas Storage provided air cards for the seven computers available onboard the newly launched Colusa County Library on the Move bus which visits all of the county library branches each week.
The air cards plug into the laptops to connect to satellites providing wireless internet from any location.
A $25,000 grant from Sierra Health Foundation helped to provide the new mobile library.
On Tuesday, Aug. 16 the Colusa County Board of Supervisors officially opened the bus during a ceremonial ribbon cutting of its doors.
Board Chair Mark Marshall expressed his pleasure in having the bus available in the county, saying that education remains a very important goal in the county. ‘
According to information provided by Burke, the purpose of the Library on the Move program is to provide Internet access to assist county residents in improving their economic status.
Other uses will be to complete education and work applications, apply for financial assistance, improve computer, reading and writing, and language skills, and even make payments in a timely manner.
Other library online services include homework tutoring, language learning systems, resume development and classes on computer operating systems.
The bus is designed for adult use, and the library is considering partnerships with other community groups.
To use the computers onboard, a Colusa County Library card or library online services card is required. The cards are available on the bus or at any county library branch. They are free.
Library on the Move visits:
• Arbuckle: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Thursdays
• Safe Haven: (Colusa County Behavioral Health) 10:30 am – 12 noon on Wednesdays
• Grimes: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm on Wednesdays
• Maxwell: 9:30 am - 11:30 am on Tuesdays
• Princeton: 9:30 am – 11:30 am on Mondays
• Stonyford: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm on Tuesdays
• Williams: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Mondays and 9:30 am – 11:30 am on Fridays.
• Williams Migrant Center: 9:30 am - 11:30 am on Thursdays
For additional information call the Main Colusa Library at 458-7671 or your local community library.