Linda Moss and Jim Gill President of Ellicottville Rotary Club presenting computers c/w storage/charging cabinet to Library Director Laura Flanagan.

Ellicottville Memorial Library Receives New Computers
(1/2/2009) By Laura Flanagan, Ellicottville Memorial Library

The Ellicottville Memorial Library recently received funding in memory of Jonathan Moss from The Rotary Club of Ellicottville Foundation for Youth and the Moss Family to purchase 5 wireless notebook computers and a storage cart to enhance our technology area. The addition of these computers will provide not only extra computer availability, but will greatly increase educational opportunities through local and regional training, on-line workshops, tutoring programs and workshops based on the needs of the local community.

We would like to give special thanks to the Ellicottville Rotary Club Foundation for Youth and the Moss Family for making this program possible. As many of you may remember, back when the Library Board was first seeking a location for a new building, The Rotary Club Foundation for Youth was also looking for a building site to house a Youth center. The two agencies decided to combine their resources and along with a generous donation from Holiday Valley, the Holiday Valley Community Center was born and designed as part of the library structure. Through the Foundation For Youth’s mission and their generous commitment to the new facility, youth of all ages have already benefited from a variety of exciting and meaningful programs and events. The addition of these computers is just one more step in helping both agencies to meet their programming goals and objectives.

The need for additional computers became very apparent during this past July when over 1,000 patrons used the computers in just one month with a total time of just over 700 hours. It has been exactly two years since the Library opened its doors, yet the 6 computers we originally provided were not adequate for the daily demand. At frequent times during the day, patrons had to limit their usage due to a waiting list for the computers. These new laptops will eliminate the wait time and increase educational opportunities.

We knew that the Technology Area has limited space for additional desktop computers; however, because the building is equipped with wireless internet access, we have a great deal of potential for notebook style computers. Many of the areas of the Library including the Kerns Family Fireplace Lounge, the Ms. Chikopee Creative Corner and the Panje Graux Reading Area all have power sources and comfortable seating areas for laptop usage. So the next time you are in the Library, come check out the new computers which will be available for use within the Library.