Local public libraries keep up with fast-moving tech world

The Loutit District Library and the Spring Lake District Library have expanded along with technology, and are offering patrons a variety of new services - most of which involve the computer.

Kerry FitzGerald, acting director at Loutit District Library, said the Grand Haven library's recent remodel and expansion project has enabled them to do a complete reboot. "Not only have we doubled the size of the Public Computing Center, we've added a computer classroom and program rooms with state-of-the-art projection systems," she said. "Our patrons also enjoy Wi-Fi access throughout the building, outside on the deck, and even in Central Park." Spring Lake District Library has added many new audio options and software programs. "In the last couple of years, the use of e-books and e-audio has grown significantly," SLDL Director Claire Sheridan said. "The Spring Lake District Library was one of the original participating libraries in the Michigan Library Consortium's Overdrive group because we could see this was a future need and wanted to be involved in this new technology as soon as possible."