New computers, spaces, and other cool stuff

I am starting to get more excited about the Quiet Reading Room - it is nearly done!  In fact, the space itself is ready for the new furniture.  If you go in there right now and look around a bit, you will see two SAMPLE chairs.  Each is customizable size- and softness-wise.  Please sit down in one and tell me what you think.  They are samples of these:

Bear in mind that we can get the"Reflect" (the chair with arms) with a wider seat, a softer cushion, a higher back and a tablet arm.  Also, we can get the "Cavetto" (the chair on the right) with a firmer seat.

I am of two minds about these chairs.  I liked the Cavetto more than I thought I would when I actually sat in it, but I like the wood-capped arms of the Reflect chair.  For me, I would sit in the Reflect longer.  The Cavetto is nice with the swiveling tablet arm though, and I like the really tall back.  I am a little afraid of dirt and grime accumulating on the fabric though.  No matter the style choice, we will order them with this cool fabric that will not absorb stains or spills and can be cleaned with fairly harsh cleaners.

We are finally getting moving again on a project started in November to rejuvenate the children's computer area.  Three AWE workstations have just arrived and are being prepared for use.  Though more expensive up front than a normal computer that we would add software to, the AWE stations more than make up for their higher price in convenience and lower upkeep.  You see, they have all the software fully installed on the computer's hard drive so there is no need to swap disks to use them.  Also, there is no need to install software after the fact, repair or replace scratched game disks, deal with compatibility issues, update to latest versions, etc.  Their website has a little pop-up video overview you can see here.  Also, you can see the .pdf list of software these computers include here.

These computers will be a nice addition to the department and ease a tremendous burden on our IT staff.  If they are successful, we may purchase more in succeeding years.

Also, we are very grateful to our Friends of the Library for purchasing (among many other things) two of these carts to hold our gaming systems we use for game days!  We will be able to just roll the carts out, plug in the power, and hand the controllers to the first kids in line.