Nov. 14/99
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Contact UsTHE LIBRARY IN THE COMMUNITY by Marcel GirouxA properly functioning democracy requires a well informed citizenry. A good library provides all the information that a conscientious citizen would need. Therefore, the Public Library is essential to the very existence of a democratic system.
We all obtain day-to-day information from many sources: newspapers, magazines, radio, t.v., the Internet, etc. The Library is viewed as the place where all those sources meet and accumulate. If you are looking for just a little bit of information or for a large dose of wisdom, your Public Library is where you are most likely to find both.
We, who live in the Municipalities of North and Central Frontenac, are served by seven branches of the KINGSTON FRONTENAC PUBLIC LIBRARY. These can be found in Cloyne, Plevna, Ompah, Sharbot Lake, Mountain Grove, Arden and Parham. Each branch is relatively small. However, by being part of a large system, the smallest branch can provide all the services available in the larger system.
By now, every branch has been connected and is now "on line" This means that users can find out immediately if the item they want is somewhere in the system. If it is not in the local branch, then it will be obtained from wherever it is found. If the item is not in our system at all, then we search other libraries and make use of the Inter Library Loan system to deliver the item to your local branch.
Traditionally, when one thinks "library", one thinks "books". Today however, "library" means much more: magazines, audio & video tapes, cd's, reference & research materials, etc. etc.
In order to borrow any materials, all items have to be bar coded and users need to obtain a new Library Card. This card is also bar coded and registered to your name. One swipe of each at the counter and the borrowed item is recorded under your name. The system then prints a short receipt containing all the information including your return date.
If "surfing the Internet" is something you have only heard and read about, your Public Library offers you a unique opportunity: free access. You can therefore obtain your first experience at no direct cost to you.
In mid October, KFPL added a new service called GEOWEB. This allows you to reach the whole library collection via the Internet. Once there, you may reserve, hold, renew, etc. In fact you can do from home may of the things you can do in a personal visit to your branch. You reach the website at: www.kfpl.library.on.ca. In addition to in-house services, the KFPL website gives you links to just about any site you could think of, such as Government Services, local, provincial and federal, to mention just one.
The KINSTON FRONTENAC PUBLIC LIBRARY is a joint project between the City of Kingston and the Frontenac Townships. There are 17 branches to serve you: 5 in the City and 12 throughout the rural areas. You are most welcome at any of them. You are encouraged to visit the new Isabel Turner Branch near the Cataraqui Centre. Soon you will also be able to use the new Pittsburgh Branch on Highway 15. Your one card allows you to enjoy all the services at any branch.
Every branch organizes special activities throughout the year for children, seniors & special interest groups. All such activities are promoted by Michael Dawber, in his monthly "BOOKMARK" column, in the North Frontenac News. Branches in North Frontenac CLOYNE Highway 41 336-8744 Tues. 10-3 Wed. 6:30-8:30 Fri. 10-3 Sat. 9-12 OMPAH beside Township Hall Tues. 12:30-2:30 Thurs. 7-9 Sat. 12-2 PLEVNA Community Hall, Buckshot Lake Road Tues. 3:30-5:30 & 7-9 Thurs. 2-4 Sat. 9-11 Branches in Central Frontenac ARDEN John St. Tues. 2-7 Thurs. 2-5 Sat. 10-12 MOUNTAIN GROVE Queen St. Tues. 2-5 Thurs. 5:30-7:30 Fri. 2-5 Sat. 12:30-2:30 PARHAM Hinchinbrooke P.S. Tues. 5-7 Thurs. 3:30-5:30 & 6-8 SHARBOT LAKE Municipal Office, Robert St. entrance Tues. 1-5 & 6-8 Thurs. 1-5 & 6-8 Sat. 10-1
