Community News Briefs

Whiting Library celebrates computerized catalog

The Whiting Library its retiring its outdated card catalog system to join the majority of libraries around the world by offering computer access to its collection.
LibraryWorld software allows searching in ways that the card catalog could not and assists circulation services in ways not possible in the past.

To celebrate this innovation, the Whiting Library will hold a weeklong Open House March 5th – 9^th. Demonstrations, refreshments, raffle prizes and new library cards will be offered. Gift bags will be awarded the first 100 patrons who visit on Monday March 5th.

The Whiting opened at 117 Main St. in Chester in October 1892 in the unusual Queen Anne/Romanesque brick building that bears a unique omega window. Its first librarian, C. Gineva Pollard, served for 50 years before retiring in 1942. In 1903, the library was wired for electricity and, in 1993, the building was expanded to include the new entrance, Children’s Library, elevator, basement floor and bathrooms.

 TARPS names Junior Volunteer of the Year

TARPS photo: Cody O’Rourke accepts the Junior Volunteer of the Year award from Wendy Jordon, president of TARPS.

The Chester-based, Animal Rescue and Protection Society recently recognized Cody O’Rourke, a senior at Bellows Falls Union High School, as its “Junior Volunteer of the Year.”

Last year on a cold October day, Cody organized and ran a successful car wash that raised hundreds of dollars for the small cat shelter.

“We really thought he (Cody) went above and beyond for us and (we) wanted to express our thanks for his generosity,” said TARPS’ President Wendy O’Dette Jordan, adding. “Youngsters in any community can make a huge difference.”

For more information on TARPS and its volunteer program, call 802-875-7777, email shelter@TARPSAnimalShelterVT.org or visit http://tarpsanimalsheltervt.org/

Online courses offered through Whiting Library

The Whiting Library, in partnership with Recorded Books of Prince Frederick, MD, announces the introduction of Universal Class Library Edition, a powerful online continuing education service designed for use by the patrons of public libraries.

Universal Class provides free, high-quality online training with a growing catalog of more than 540 courses. Thus far, more than 300,000 students worldwide have take advantage of Universal Class’ unique instructional technologies: Real instructors guide the learning with the aid of engaging video-based lessons, a collaborative learning environment, graded tests, certificates of achievement and Continuing Education Units available for selected courses.

A small selection of courses includes Exercise and Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Music, Home and Garden Care, Cooking, Computers and Technology, Health and Medicine, Homeschooling, Law and Legal and Pet and Animal Care.

More information is available at the Whiting Library. Call 875-2277 or visit Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10-6 or Saturday 10-2 for information and your unique access code, which allows you to access the Universal Class from anywhere.