Westbrook, CT - In the current atmosphere of technology, where everyone is either plugged in, logged on or turned up the Friends of the Westbrook Library felt it was essential to have up to date computers, printers, laptops and software available to the community.

With the help of a $9350 grant from the Westbrook Foundation, the Westbrook Library is proud to be able to offer eight personal computers with flat screen monitors to patrons in the new Children’s Room area, complete with two networked, color capable inkjet printers. In addition, there are two laptop computers available for use in any part of the Library, including the relaxing young adult/ teen nook, one new laptop for staff use and two new, networked, color capable inkjet printers in the adult computer area.

“Our goal was to make sure that the students have up to date technology to work with here at the library, that is compatible with the school’s technology,” explains Lew Daniels, Library Director. “We try to be as close to the state of the art as we can be, for the benefit of the students and the community that make use of our equipment. The Library is often an extension of the classroom and we work to ensure that our services compliment the classroom goals.”

In keeping with the mission of the library, which is, “…to support and enhance the Community’s pursuit of knowledge and enjoyment by providing a balanced collection of Library materials and informational services for all ages,” the Friends of the Westbrook Library make it a priority to keep a thumb on the ever changing pulse of technological advance that are needed by the community.

“The Westbrook Library continues as a center of ongoing community activity and access to information by both traditional and digital means is critical,” explains Daniels, who is on hand to help children and adults make use of the new equipment. “It is a priority of the Friends of Westbrook, to make sure we are supplying our community with what it needs to stay current.”

Over the years the Westbrook Foundation has been instrumental in working in alliance with the Library to aid in its expansion and its technology. A large grant was given by the Westbrook Foundation in 2007 for the Children’s room and another grant in 2011 for variety of needed technological advances such as a Power Point projector, wireless internet and more.

“We are so grateful for all the Westbrook Foundation has done for the Library,” praises Daniels. “Not every community is lucky enough to have a foundation in town to help offset the cost of needed items. The Westbrook Foundation has been a fantastic partner to us and to have this kind of funding and support right here in town is invaluable.”

He adds, “Beyond the Library, the Westbrook Foundation does a tremendous amount of good throughout the community of Westbrook and it is a very positive institution in general. It saves the tax payers money and does a lot of good for community of Westbrook.”