WINAMAC — The Pulaski County Public Library is participating in a nationwide initiative to reintroduce itself to the community as a facility whose services expand far beyond the lending of books.
"Outside the Lines: Libraries Reintroduced" will be celebrated by libraries across the country Sept. 15 through 20 in an effort to encourage people to reconnect with their libraries as places to not only read, but engage in the latest technologies and fun activities. More than 140 libraries are participating in the initiative, according to its website.
With branches in Winamac and Medaryville, the Pulaski County Public Library will be participating through special activities throughout the week.
MacKenzie Ledley, executive director of the library, said the national program's motives could be applied locally, as the facilities in Pulaski County have been embracing technological advances over the years and taking on the status of "dynamic community cultural centers."
Ledley estimates there are many locals who haven't been to the library in years and likely don't know about all of the services it offers.
"At our library, we try to say we have 'more than you expect,'" she said. "I don't think people realize all the cool things we're doing."
Among those cool things have been Guitar Hero tournaments, a zombie prom, a Lego club and a video-streaming service, Ledley continued.
"We're not a quiet library," she said. "...It's about exploration here."
Library staff will be heading out to local businesses during "Outside the Lines" week for what they're calling "interactive coffee breaks," where they'll provide refreshments while familiarizing employees with the library's growing technology services.
Ledley added staff will work one-on-one with people to show them how to download and use library apps on their smart phones and tablets while helping them sign up for library cards.
Technology services at the Pulaski County Public Library will continue to grow at the end of this month through its offering of new iPad Air tablet devices for in-house use.
The devices will be connected to the branches' Wi-Fi and come pre-loaded with apps and access to online resources like e-books and music. Efforts were funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Indiana State Library.
Ledley said the library attracts a lot of people who use its computer services because they lack high-speed internet at home. Offering the iPad Airs allows them to become more familiar with a kind of device that is becoming increasingly popular, she added.
Michael Rose, the library's systems administrator, said in a press release he hopes the new tablets will "provide library patrons with opportunities to gain familiarity and comfort with the new technology.
"It's simply a new way to enjoy all the digital media the library has to offer," he added.
"Outside the Lines" week concludes at the library's Winamac branch with a screening of "Frozen" at 7 p.m. Sept. 20. The event is free for all ages.