Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cabe Library fully automated

"Making the library more sufficient," is what librarian Julie Watson says about completing the automation process of the Cabe Public.

However, the library was closed for a short time during the updates; it is believed to be well worth it. "We had to take inventory of all the books in the library. One by one we had to get them down and put the proper bar-code identification on them," saId Watson.

Watson, along with Librarian LeElna Davidson, also said they are excited about the new automated system making their jobs easier. With all the books being bar-coded, it makes it easier to see if books are checked out or not and if they are not returned it will be easier to track them down.

The library also has a new computer to be used by the public to allow them to look up books by subject, title, and author or by word association. Basically the computer has taken the place of the card catalog and will save time for everyone.

There is also a section on the computer where the public can give suggestions to the library or request certain material.

With automation taking over the library, it will be easier for patrons to register in order to check books out. It will also make it easier for them to change their registration information, such as, address and name changes.

Watson wanted to remind everyone who might still have a book checked out, even if it is two years overdue, to please bring them back to the library in order for them to be properly bar-coded. She also wants to remind everyone to come in and pick up a new library card with their bar-code on it instead of a number.

"The first card is free and then they have to pay for it if it is lost," said Watson.

Thanks to the C Louis and Mary Cabe Foundation and the Horace Cabe Foundation, the Cabe Public Library has successfully been automated. Each foundation granted the library $5,000 towards the automation process. The rest of the funds came from county funds.

Watson and Davidson said they would both like to give a special thanks to library volunteers Sherry Karr, Dodie Blanton, JoAnn Shaver, Charles Shaver, Charla Renfro, Linda Gayle Hogue and Allison Echols.