Library gets new computer center Grant from Hudson County Community College doubles existing lab

Pardon Sai Rao if she gets too excited, but the executive director of the North Bergen Free Public Library has every reason to be overjoyed these days.

On Thursday, the library officially opened the doors to its new computer center, which increases the computer capacity at the library from eight terminals to 21, thanks to a $90,000 grant from Hudson County Community College.

“It’s like winning the lottery,” Rao said. “We’re very excited. It’s a great opportunity to receive such a large grant that will increase the size of our computer lab.”

The grant was made possible as part of a program, established by the HCCC, from the U.S. Department of Education/Division of Vocational Education, in order that the school could establish computer training centers throughout the county. Part of the program includes providing qualified computer instructors that will teach 13-week courses, all free of charge, to patrons of the library.

“In the past, we had to do the instruction ourselves,” Rao said. “Now, thanks to Hudson County Community College, we have the instructors to handle the courses.”

Because of the new computers, the existing computer lab had to be expanded to handle the terminals and the computer carrels. Part of the grant was used to do the construction work to increase the size of the room used for the computer center.

With the $90,000 grant, the library also added software, technology wiring, scanners, printers and furniture to the center.

The instructor will teach two 13-week courses, Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 6 to 8 p.m. The classes, which have already been filled, will instruct the students on using the mouse and keyboard, Windows 2000 and its relevant programs, and surfing the Internet.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco applauded the efforts of Rao, who was able to secure another grant that brought technology to the library. Two years ago, Rao was able to apply and receive a $20,000 from the state Department of Library Services to begin the initial computer center.

“Not only has it been done in a very cost effective manner, but it now brings a sophisticated program that enables more of our residents to become computer literate free of charge,” Sacco said. “It increases the number of computer terminals, which means that more people will be able to use the computer center at the same time. Sai has done a tremendous job in turning the library into a complete learning center.”

Added Sacco, “This is a great tool and great opportunity to teach people how to use computers. I hope that our residents take full advantage of the program. We’ll now have trained teachers that will instruct the classes free of charge. This is the way for people who don’t know how to use computers to get proper training. It’s incredible to see how quickly they pick it up.”

Rao is hopeful that the new computer center will encourage different patrons to visit and use the library’s services. In the past, the library has been used primarily by students and senior citizens. But offering free computer courses might be the tool that would bring middle-aged adults into the library.

“I would have to think so,” Rao said. “By looking at the registration list, there is a large amount of men and women who will be taking the classes. It’s helping the adults find jobs or it’s giving computer access to those who didn’t have access before. They also know that they can use the center at any time, because it’s more than just the courses.”

Sacco believes the center and the free courses are an asset to the community.

“Our residents could spend a lot of money in taking computer courses, but these are free of charge,” Sacco said. “We’ve gone beyond what the library used to be used for. It’s not just for research and reading. It’s become a comprehensive learning center that we’re all proud of.”

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