I visited the Nelsonville branch of the Athens County Public Library (ACPL) on the Monday before Thanksgiving.  Although one of the library renovations gave this library a sleek modern look on the outside, the white wooden rockers on the main entrance portico make you feel like you are visiting a favorite and welcoming relative.  This feeling continued on as I was greeted by staff behind the beautiful circulation desk and welcomed by director Lauren Miller.  Lauren is a sweet and dynamic lady, working hard to make her library system a great place to be.  ACPL took on a new look and name in August of this year.  I love their new logo!  Isn’t it a great spin on the traditional library sign?

Their web site also received a new look.  It is very sleek (great job Owen!) and easy to use.  Each branch has their own tab.  Check it out at www.myacpl.org

If you don’t know, ACPL gave libraries in the US a grand leap into the world of open source software.  When researching for a new integrated library system, they decided to hire a programmer to update the open-source software Koha to make it compatible with Marc records.  This innovation has provided ACPL with a cutting edge catalog.  They just upgraded to a newer version of Koha and the search feature is very enhanced.  The results list are very “amazon-like”.

Well, I am digressing into technology, which is easy for me to do!  Back to my visit.  Lauren gave me the full tour!  The Nelsonville branch is well organized in all areas (both patron and staff).  There was a visiting school when I was there and branch manager Sandy McConnel and staff were busy with lively and bright second graders.  About a year ago, the moved their children’s department to the front of the building where kids can enjoy the bright light and check out all of the activity going on outside. 

Thank Lauren and staff for a great tour and fun visit!  Please stop by and visit them sometime!