Survey recognizes Hubbard library

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The library has wireless capabilities in addition to its 20 computers.

HUBBARD — Those operating the Hubbard Public Library have long said the library is an exceptional source of worldwide access for the community, and now a national survey is backing up that belief.

The Hubbard branch, and six other Ohio libraries were classified in the top 50 nationally for the number of available Internet-capable computers per 10,000 residents. The survey was conducted by Gannett News Service Multimedia.

The library, located at 436 W. Liberty St., was ranked 32nd in the survey.

Sherry Ault, library director, said the library has dedicated a considerable amount of funding to making computers accessible to the public. Even with a shrinking budget, she said, accessible computers remain a priority.

“We get people from all walks of life. Lately, even right now, we have a lot of people looking for jobs on our computers,” she said. “That is what most employers want to see and many people come here to do it.”

The library has 10 computers running in the adult section of the library on the second floor during normal library hours. There are 10 additional computers for overflow use that are usually turned on at about noon. Children have access to eight separate computers on the building’s first floor.

The library also has wireless capabilities throughout the building for those patrons who wish to bring their own computer to the facility. Ault said time restrictions for Internet use is something the library frowns upon.

“The only way there would be a time limit on our computers is if all 20 were taken and someone was waiting, but I can’t remember the last time that has happened,” she said.

The library offers computer classes to make those coming into the facility more computer savvy, and there is a personal tutor to help those who would need additional help with basic Internet use.

Tom Fritz of Connect Ohio, a public-private partnership between technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to accelerate technology in Ohio, said Internet use within libraries is on the rise.

“Connect Ohio research indicates among Ohioans who use ‘hotspots,’ 25 percent of them use their local library as a place to connect. Because libraries play such an important role in the community, it is essential that local libraries are on the cutting edge of technology,” he said.

Ault said it is nice the library’s dedication to Internet accessibility has been recognized.

“We are very proud of this because we have worked very hard to provide this service and put a lot of our resources into it, which has been difficult, especially this year, because our funding has seen some cuts,” she added.

jgoodwin@vindy.com