Date: Fri 18-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

Books-Wheels-Booth

Full Text:

ED INK: Information At A Human Pace

We have seen just how fast information can zip around the globe this past

week; the Internet conveyed volumes of sordid facts directly to people in

their homes and businesses even before they could get home to watch the

evening news. Sometimes we wonder whether our technological tools are better

teachers or tormenters. Against this backdrop, we are happy to bring you news

this week of a decidedly low-tech innovation designed to distribute

information and stories of a decidedly more uplifting nature -- the Cyrenius

Booth Library's Books on Wheels Program.

The Books on Wheels program was created to bring books to residents who are

not able to get to the library because they are recovering from surgery, have

a longterm illness, or have restricted mobility. Volunteer drivers will bring

books, including large print books and talking books, to patrons anywhere in

Newtown within a few days of their requests.

Even the lack of a library card does not have to be an impediment. If

residents do not have a card, they can get one by asking for a registration

form when they call to have books delivered for the first time. The Books on

Wheels driver will bring back the completed registration form after the

delivery.

The program has been under-utilized this year, probably because it ceased

operating while the library was closed for months for renovations. It is up

and running again now, however.

Residents who want to request books, or to sign up to be a volunteer driver,

should call the library at 426-4533 Monday through Thursday, from 9 to 10 am,

and Friday, 9 am to noon.

So if you are in search of an antidote to the disheartening barrage of words

and pictures that are beamed into your home at the speed of light these days,

slow down a bit and read a good book. And if you can't make it to the library,

rest assured that the books can now come to you at a very human pace.