By Cori Dodds

At the Derby Public Library we are always trying to find ways to make using the library more appealing to patrons.

One of the ways we do this is by looking for new items or adding items that our patrons request. With that in mind, the newest addition to our collections is a collection of video games.

At the first of the year, we introduced our video game collection, which includes games for the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 platforms. Our Xbox 360 collection also includes several titles that use the Kinect system.

The video games have been enthusiastically received by our patrons, which you can see if you have been in and not had much luck finding titles on the shelves. 

“We are ecstatic over how popular the video game collection has been so far,” said Eric Gustafson, library director.

We plan to continue to add many titles to the collection, so please come and check out the video games. There are going to be more added to the shelves all the time. 

We continue to add to the technology available throughout the library, not limiting ourselves to items patrons can take home. We are also adding technology that is available for patrons to use and benefit from while in the library.

With that in mind, we have added some new flat-screen televisions to the youth services area of the library. Carri Fry, youth services director, said libraries are about information and the constant demand for updated digital and media formats. Because of that, she is pleased that the library can offer two more televisions in the teen and early childhood spaces.

Preschoolers can now view animated picture books and then request the book. 

Attendance at teen programs is on the rise, Fry said, and she expects that additional technology will help that trend to continue. Recently, about 20 teens gathered in the teen space after school and celebrated Chinese New Year by preparing candy sushi and watching the movie Mulan. 

These same teens requested a viewing of Mulan II the next afternoon. 

We have also added a flat-screen television right above the circulation desk. This television carries a feed of library events, making it easier than ever for our patrons to learn about events sponsored by the library, including events such as book club meetings, book discussions and other forms of adult and children’s programming. 

We invite you to come in and utilize any of the many services we have to offer.