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A Puslinch Diary Just in case you hadn't noticed, one of the new features on this web site is a page devoted to the Puslinch Public Library, so I thought I would write something about the Puslinch Library. Having attended university for eight years and having worked at universities as a research assistant for several more years, I have spent a fair bit of time in libraries. I like libraries--they are so comforting. Perhaps it has something to do with being surrounded by all that knowledge, or maybe its the musty dry paper smell. 
By comparison to others the Puslinch Library is not large. However, it does offer a fair selection of books and a number of other resources. You may not be aware that the library offers movies in VHS and DVD format. While the selection is not as good as the local video store the price is right--no charge. There are no new releases, but there are a number of recent releases. For example they have Titanic in VHS and there is also a very interesting documentary on the search for, and discovery of the Titanic. Together they make a nice double feature. The library also has a good selection of children's videos. For a long time the value of talking books eluded me, but recently I discovered two uses for them. They can make a nice diversion on long car trips. I also like to listen to them when doing projects around the house. For example, last summer while I was tiling the screened-in-porch, I listened to "The Green Ripper", which is probably my favorite Travis McGee novel, written by John D. MacDonald. It was read by one of my favorite actors, Darren McGavin. It was like having friends over to help--they were good company, but didn't do much. Talking books come in two forms--unabridged and abridged. Unabridged, is, of course, the whole book and can go for hours and take multiple cassettes (I haven't had any experience with books on CDs). The abridged version is like the Cole's notes of talking books and usually fits on one or two cassettes. I would suggest an unabridged book you haven't read for very long car trips and abridged books that you have read for those projects around the house. The library has a computer with an internet connection that is available to the public. I have a friend who is computer phobic and doesn't have one, but goes to his local library several times a week to send and receive e-mail--so can you. The computer has a color printer, but I think there is a nominal charge for using it. 
When I was at the library yesterday (April 5, 2001) workers were digging in the Millenium Garden adjacent to the library installing new phone lines for more computers. The library will be expanding its resource center with more computers on the internet. At the right is a picture of the action.While our local library dosen't offer a huge selection of books, you can request books and if the book is available in any of the other Wellington County libraries you can have it in about a week. Every book I have requested has been available. If you haven't done so yet visit the Library page. Read previous Puslinch Diaries:Jan, 2001--Municipal Election Day in Ontario.Feb, 2001--An opossum comes to visit. |