Staff writer
Marion City Library has always been a place to find books, research topics, and access the Internet, but last week librarian Janet Marler noted an increased flow of young patrons making use of the new Internet game computers.
“We’ve always had computers there,” Marler said. “But the new ones just installed are set up with special games just for children. We choose what they have access to and they are really enjoying it.”
Lance Walker, 5, focused intently on a Hot Wheels race game on Monday while operating his onscreen car with up and down arrows.
“I like anything with racing cars,” he said. “This game is fun!”
Erin Regnier, 6, seated next to Walker, was equally intent on playing the Curious George game after her mother, Michelle Regnier, helped her get untangled from the headphone cord and booted up to the right PBS game site.
“She plays on computers at home, but this is special for her,” Regnier said. “We come here at least twice a week. This is her thing.”
Regnier said Erin was the youngest of six siblings, so coming to the library with her mother, and not having to share computer time with a brother or sister meant a lot to her. If the weather was nice, they could walk to the library from the Sunshine Country Preschool, where Regnier works.
Marler said parents were enjoying the new computers as well, finding just a bit more free time to browse on their own when they brought the family to the library.
“The updated flat screens are very attractive to the kids,” Marler said. “Some of the children that come in don’t have computers at home, so we are happy to provide them the tools to learn how to use them here. They will need those skills later in school for just about everything.”
The children’s Internet game computers are available during regular public hours at the library Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children’s game choices include Coolmath, Discovery Kids, Funbrain, PBS Kids, Kidzui, Funology, I Spy, and Lego.