Express News Staff
INDIAN LAKE - The Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C. has recognized Indian Lake Public Library as one of the top libraries in the country.
The trade magazine Library Journal, in its fourth national rating of public libraries, the LJ Index of Public Library Service 2011, identified 262 “Star” libraries, and Indian Lake’s is one.
The IMLS rated 7,513 public libraries in groups determined by operating expenditures. The top libraries in each group received five, four or three stars.
Indian Lake Public Library was among those with a four-star rating in the $100,000 to $199,900 group. It is among 39 libraries in New York state receiving the award. The nearest “Star” library to Indian Lake is Bolton Free Library with three stars.
Indian Lake Librarian Nancy Berkowitz was proud to announce the award, and thanked the Town of Indian Lake and its residents for their support, which made the award possible.
Modern libraries are much more than just a place to read or borrow books. Books are still a mainstay, and IL Library has thousands from which to choose, but it doesn’t stop there.
Cardholders can also borrow DVD movies and CD music. They can borrow e-books from home.
Cardholders can get online using one of the many computers available at the library, or can bring their own laptops to use the library’s fast WiFi connection both inside and nearby outside the building.
In addition to books, CDs and DVDs, the library has become a learning center with classes at the library and online.
The library recently hosted a class on learning to use a computer, Kindle, Nook, iPad or other reading device. Berkowitz said 20 people took the class conducted by Indian Lake Central School Librarian George DeChant.
Love learning but can’t find a class to meet your interests? Need training for a new job skill? Want a new hobby but not sure you can learn on your own? Always wanted to learn math someday or get your GED?
Learn about things in which you are interested on your schedule at no cost. With an Indian Lake Library card you can enroll in what is called the “Universal Class” and do this online at any time from your home computer.
Classes on QuickBooks have been held and more will be scheduled.
Want to know more about this little library? Go to http://indianlakelibrary.wordpress.com/ or stop by to browse and learn from Berkowitz and her friendly staff.
Berkowitz says, “We’re always looking for volunteers and have a vacancy to fill on the library Board of Trustees.”
Winter hours are Mondays 12-4 and 7-9 p.m., Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays 12-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed Thursdays and Sundays.