Spring is in the air and new growth is all around. Check out the latest gardening and tax books available on our “Spring, Sprang, Sprung!” display. The library is also looking for new growth ideas for the library from our patrons. Please complete the library survey so we can better meet your needs. Copies of the survey are in this newspaper, in the library, on our web page (www.lopezlibrary.org) and at various locations around the village. A completed, signed survey enters you for a prize drawing (local merchant gift cards, mugs, t-shirts, etc.).

The library has purchased 10 Dell new computers for the public computer area and loaded new software to meet patron demands, such as downloading music from iTunes, editing photos in GIMP, desktop publishing in Microsoft Publisher and more. We have also added the ability to burn CDs. CDs are available for purchase from the desk. Encarta, the popular online referred encyclopedia, is also on all the public computers.

Two additional stations for teens are set up near the Young Adult book section and come with headphones.

The library is installing a PC reservation system so you can reserve a spot on the computer days or hours in advance. This system will require you to enter your library card and phone number whenever you want to use a computer. Can’t find your card? No problem! We can look it up at the front desk. This new system will also self-monitor time on the computer and let you know how long you have left with an on-screen clock. There will be guest cards available for computer use for non-card holders.

In an effort make the most of the library’s wireless network, we have also purchased three Dell laptop computers to check out for in-house use. If you prefer to surf the net or watch a movie from the comfort of the bean bags or lounge chairs, these can be checked out for two hours for in-library use only.

Due to some scheduled maintenance, the library will be closed on April 23-25. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this causes. We plan to stay open until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 to give patrons a little extra time at the library.

The library will be hosting a performance of the Parasol Puppets on May 3 at 11 a.m. in the library’s conference room. Puppeteer Peter Allen (www.parasolpuppets.com) has created the show, Nursery Rhymes and Tales, especially for young audiences.

Teens who want to discuss and recommend books to their peers are invited to the library’s Rebel Book Club, the last Friday of the month at 3:30. Drinks and snacks provided – held in the conference room.

Would you like to support reading in our community? The famous READ posters with your favorite celebrities holding a beloved book can now be personalized with your face and book of choice! If interested, see library staff. We’ll take your digital picture and insert it in the READ poster of your choice at no cost. Be a reading role model!

In support of music literary, the library recently purchased many new titles on how play particular instruments, read music, and create your own instruments. Also just in – the entire 10 DVD set of Ken Burn’s Jazz. Call number: DVD 781.65 JAZ.

Speaking of support, the library recently received a substantial bequest in memory of Esther Carhart for deposit to the Lopez Island Library’s designated endowment fund with the Seattle Foundation. We would like to thank her family, friends and everyone involved in making this possible.

If you are interested in contributing to this fund to benefit the Lopez Island Library, please contact Lou Pray, Library Director, 468-2265.