Libraries will offer computers

Dear Editor:

In the past month, several letters have been submitted by Mr. Stanley Hall of Old Fort expressing his support for new libraries stating “...but with a different agenda, computer centers, or at least a computer center in Polk County.  That would put us on the leading edge.”  In fact, that is exactly what the Friends of the Library have been striving to accomplish for the past eight years.   Full-service public libraries ARE computer centers.  The new libraries will offer 14 PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTERS with high-speed internet, available to residents daily, evenings, and weekends, directed by competent staff members that are trained and updated on a regular basis by representatives from our Regional Library.

In addition to the internet, residents will have access to the “Tennessee Electronic Library” (TEL), which is a combination of 18 extensive databases providing quality information on almost any subject imaginable.  Last year, Governor Bredesen allocated $1 million dollars for upgrades to TEL.

Today’s full-service libraries are hardly an “ol’ timey” idea.  They are fully-automated institutions on the cutting edge of ever-changing technology.   Public library expansions are currently going on across the state, primarily due to the increased demand for public-access computers.  In neighboring McMinn County, the main library recently increased their number of computers from 10 to 20, and there is currently an ongoing waitlist for these computers.

And for those of us who still prefer a good book in hand, residents will have access to over 17 million books through the automated circulation system and inter-library loan program.  Endless opportunities could be available to Polk County citizens, and assisting with computer literacy is just one of them through the new libraries.  If you’d like to learn more about automated information available in our library region, visit: flrlwiki.pbwiki.com.

Sincerely,
Polk County Friends of the Library

Sorry for misunderstanding

Dear Editor:

The Friends of the Library would like to apologize for any misunderstanding arising from school statistics quoted in last week's paper from our attorney's letter to the County Commission.

It was our intention to show why our County Commission had the vision to unanimously agree to fund the construction of two full-service libraries in 2006, and never to insult the accomplishments of our school system.  We admit the idea of "ranking" schools and school systems is controversial.

We believe our teachers and administrators do an excellent job educating our children, and we're very proud of our schools.  We have several teachers in our ranks, as well as parents who are active volunteers in the school system.

Friends of the Library is committed to a healthy partnership between our library system and our public school system.  Our goal has been to provide our children and teachers with additional resources and support offered by full-service public libraries.  Every child, no matter their ability level in school, can benefit from these proposed libraries.

And so can residents of all other ages!

Sincerely,

Polk County Friends of the Library

Sorry for omission

Dear Editor:

The Polk County Ramp Festival committee would like to thank Steve Burgess of Burgess Pro Hardware for his donation to the Ramp Festival.  Burgess Pro Hardware was mistakenly left off our list of folks that we sent a thank you to in last weeks paper.  Steve, we apologize for our oversight and always appreciate your support of the Polk County 4-H Program.

Sincerely,

Greg Paxton
Ext. Agent

Thanks!

Dear Editor,

The veteran’s affairs office would like to thank everyone who came to the Memorial Day program to honor our veterans who gave their lives for this great country. We would also like to thank: our speakers who did a great job, Mr. Mike Stinnett Polk County Mayor, Mr. Eric Watson State Representative, Mr. Robbie Speights Pastor of First Baptist Church of Benton who did the invocation, Autumn Bragg who sang the National Anthem, Bailey Bright for leading the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag, South Polk Select Choir for singing under the direction of Ms. Kimberly Witz, The Polk County High School Band under the direction of Mr. Baker and Mr. Greg Cross, The VFW Post and the American Legion Post of Cleveland for doing a great job.

We appreciate all the veterans who came and thank them for their service to this great country. We want to give a special thanks to William Kenneth Norwood and James Lively who went above and beyond to help make this program possible. We want to thank the Benton City Police and Mayor Jerry Stephens for all they did to help make a successful program.

Polk County Service Officer,

Ben H. Bright