Mount Joy, October 14, 2004— The Milanof-Schock Library is lending laptop computers to senior citizens over 50 years who live within the library’s service area thanks to a funds grant under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), provided through the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Libraries.  The computers are for those who take the free computer classes offered to seniors at the Milanof-Schock Library and who do not have computers at home.  The Milanof-Schock Library is one of the first public libraries in the country to lend laptops to patrons.

The library has purchased 10 IBM ThinkPad G40 laptop computers to lend to senior citizens.  Seniors who would like to practice skills that they are learning in the library’s computer classes may sign-out a laptop for one month.  Before individuals can sign-out a laptop, a computer instructor will educate them in the proper handling and use of the computers.  A valid library card with no outstanding fines and a government issued photo ID are required to borrow a computer.  Each laptop comes complete with a carrying case, optical mouse, full-size keyboard, powerpack, and manuals.  Each returned computer’s memory will be completely erased and all material left by the patron will be wiped-off before the computer is lent to another patron.  The library will also offer computer instruction to homebound individuals.

Under the LSTA grant, which runs through June 2005, the library will offer the following courses at no charge to seniors residing in East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough, Mount Joy Borough, lower Mount Joy Township, and lower Rapho Township:

• Introduction to Computers;
• Introduction to Microsoft Word;
• Introduction to the Internet;
• Introduction to E-mail;
• Using Library Computer Resources;
• Introduction to Microsoft Excel;
• Introduction to Microsoft Access;
• Introduction to PowerPoint;
• How to Buy a Computer;
• Buying and Selling on the Internet;
• Introduction to Digital Photography; and
• Preparing and Submitting Your Taxes Via Computer.

The Milanof-Schock Library is the public library for East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough, Mount Joy Borough, Mount Joy Township (East) and Rapho Township (South). Any senior citizens living in this area who are interested in attending the library’s free computer classes and borrowing laptop computers can contact the library at 653-1510 or landau@mountjoy.lib.pa.us.