Utica Public Library Busy as

Ever

Libraries still relevant in today’s world, despite internet and e-books

When I was a kid, going to the Utica Public Library was commonplace.

Back then there were no computers, no cell phones and of course no internet. And, no Barnes and Noble.

There was however, several locally owned bookstores in downtown Utica, but I don’t recall ever going there.

If you were working on a school project and needed some help, you had two choices — the school’s library or the public library.

As a young guy during the summer months, if you wanted a good read, you headed to the library. Of course, there was always the local corner drug store or local grocer where you could pick up the latest comic book issue of Batman, Fantastic Four and Superman. A special treat was purchasing the latest Mad Magazine, but that was always a bit more expensive.

Things have changed over the years. With technology, now anyone has instant access to an infinite amount of information. Ordering books off Amazon is a no-brainer.

e-books are everywhere on the internet to buy and are usually cheap; so even those with a tight budget can purchase them.

With all of that you would think that the library and its services might be just a shadow of its glory days and that few, if hardly anyone, now goes there.

Think again!

Chris Sagaas, the director of the Utica Public Library, couldn’t be happier on how his library is doing, the importance of the library within the community and the ever-growing number of services that they provide.

Chris Sagaas, the director of the Utica Public Library; our reference librarians and our children’s librarians are very friendly and welcoming and will do whatever they can to provide an inviting environment for both the traditional person who says I have a research paper and need help with this or that, or for example helping kids out with projects etc., or just someone who is looking for that special book.”

Summer can often be a challenging time for families as they try to

“Over the last week our area has been under a major heat–humid condition period” said Sagaas. “We are a cooling center, most libraries are. So, we are a place where people can get a break, take a rest, take a load off, read a book! Of course, there is so much more we offer people.”

“We have a computer center, people can come in and use them, go on the internet, all free of charge. There are all sorts of opportunities because you are in close proximity of other people,” he added. “It creates the environment of engaging another person in a positive way.

“We recently started a program in concert with the American Heart Association. In that program we loan out blood pressure monitor kits to the public at no cost. This is to encourage people to go home and check their blood pressure, see how it is, then hopefully get a base line and follow up with a health care provider if needed.”

Community organizations are seeing the library as more than a place for people to go and just get books, but for broader information and access to other services.

“Now it’s information about anything. For example, in the past we have partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension and SNAP

(Supplemental Nutritious Assistance Program),” he said. “We are in the planning stages of becoming a pick up and drop off place for unsold food from local farmers markets.”

The Utica Public Library is located on north–south road, (Genesee Street), and is just a stone’s throw away from an internationally recognized museum of art, (Munson Museum) as well as a short walk to Utica’s downtown hub area.

September is National Library Registration Sign Up Month. For more information about the Utica Public Library, call 315-735-2279 or visit www.uticapubliclibrary.org