Libraries closed for upgrades

By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
Libraries in Eva, Falkville, Priceville and Decatur will be closed Feb. 18-22 as Wheeler Basin Library officials install a new automation system at the facilities.
The system will allow library patrons to take advantage of an electronic card catalog to allow for easier searches of materials and greater database access.
The new system also costs $9,415 less per year to maintain than the current one and also allows librarians in the system to catalog their own books and get them into the hands of patrons much faster.
Each library will also be getting its own home page through the new system.
The automation system is funded through a Library Services and Technology Act grant administered through the Alabama Public Library Service in Montgomery. The grant includes $72,947 in LTSA funds and $18,237 n local funds from the Friends of the Library.
The closure will not effect the Hartselle Library, which operates independently of the Wheeler system.