SWEDESBORO — Residents and businesses in Swedesboro, Woolwich and Logan will soon enjoy a boost in their library’s technology, thanks to the help of the Greater Swedesboro Business Association (GSBA).
The GSBA recently approved a $12,000 donation to the Logan and Swedesboro Public Library branches. Through a massive yearly golf outing, in addition to other fundraising, the GSBA gathered funding to draw businesses to the area, support the local community, and assist area business owners.
Joe Bouvier, an attorney practicing at Mattioni Law in Swedesboro, spearheaded the enormously successful golf outing for the past several years. He was glad to see the money going to good use.
“The Greater Swedesboro Business Association has long recognized that our local libraries play an important role in the community, and we are pleased that the library branches are long-time active members of the GSBA.” said Bouvier. “We believe that all cross-sections of the public will benefit from the technology upgrade that will be implemented by the libraries with this donation.”
When the GSBA Board considered different large projects, the library immediately came to mind. When they presented their idea to the general membership, it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm.
One of the first things you’ll notice if you step foot in a library is that the computer areas are almost always in use. Younger children swarm around the AWE computer for its colorful early literacy games.
The library provides students with an opportunity to complete online school assignments. School-aged children can be found doing homework, checking email, and surfing the web on the PCs.
Business owners can employ a multitude of resources. Entrepreneurs can log in to databases that hold an abundance of free information on the area market.
Branch Directors Marge Dombrosky and Carolyn Oldt saw several ways that their libraries could use the donated funds. New laptops will help when the desktop PCs get swamped. An additional AWE computer could engage another young mind. And a new tablet could put the power of demonstration in the staff’s hands.
Patrons can now borrow material by downloading it onto handheld devices, but the library staff is prohibited from handling patrons’ personal devices. A new tablet to keep at the desk would eliminate that problem.
As the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says, “Public libraries are uniquely positioned to offer public Internet access and training to individuals who would otherwise not be connected to the digital world.” Few would disagree with that.
The GSBA will be holding a Meet and Greet on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Tavro 13. Following the event, attendees are welcome to attend an open meeting with the Borough of Swedesboro, the Economic Development Committee, and Strategic Advisory Group. Concepts regarding the Swedesboro Central Business District will be presented.
For more information on how to get involved with the GSBA, please visit www.greatersba.org.
