Overbrook Library has twelve public access computers scattered about the large main floor.   The Library uses the LIBKI computer management system on all its public computers.

Patrons have expressed satisfaction at being able to log-in directly at the computer station rather than signing in at the front desk.    If a patron has a library account but has not used their log-in and password information before, the staff at the information desk can set up the individual in less than a minute.   For visitors with no library account and who may not be interested in having one, they can go to the front desk and get a guest log-in.

The LIBKI system will help reduce the ongoing problem of sabotage with our computers, increase security for patrons’ computer work, and reduce the complaints of children, youth, and adults regarding who’s next in line to use a computer during peak usage.

The Overbrook Library is partnering with two other libraries, Linwood Community Library and Seneca Free library, for the service contract that reduces the price of the LIBKI system for all of us.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as there will be questions and a time period of adjustment as we move into a new era of public computer management.

The Overbrook Library now shelves materials according to the Christian Fiction or Inspirational Genre that many libraries use.   Books by recognized Christian authors can also be labeled mystery, science fiction, western, historical fiction, or any other subject genre.    The library staff hopes this new arrangement will make it easier for patrons to locate this kind of literature.    Large Print titles for Christian Fiction/Inspirational is labeled as such but is still located in the library’s Large Print book section.

The Overbrook library now has a specialized bakeware collection that is available for checkout to library card holders.  Overbrook Library Board Member Lynn Drake and Assistant Librarian Pam Johnston have worked hard to assemble, package and label an initial collection of over 80 items.   A catalog of bakeware materials is available on this website and also in printed form at the Library’s Service and Information Desk.

For more information, click on the link below.   This webpage can also be found on the Overbrook Library Website under the menu item “Library Information”

https://overbrook.mykansaslibrary.org/?page_id=1926

We have expanded our Playaway audio book selection! These are preloaded digital audio players, just plug and play! Simple, compact, and convenient, these are sure to satisfy your audio needs. Stop by to see the new titles!

With the addition of a rustic pine and tile coffee table, the Young Adult and Teen area of the library has been completed.   Youth can socialize, play board games, read, study, use the gaming station, and browse new books and materials for their age group.

The Teen area furniture was paid through the general donations of The Friends of the LIbrary and from the more than 30 people who contributed to the Beth Sisson Memorial Fund.   The TV and PS3 Gaming Console were made possible by the gifts of Bob and Ruth Von Stein and the Kansas State Library Gaming Grant.  These contributions will serve the youth of Overbrook for many years to come!

Jo Ellen Arnold (left) and Jessica Flory (right) from the Lyndon Extension Office presented Operation Military Kids to over 30 Children and Adults in the Overbrook Community Room.  Children and youth became heros supporting our nation’s heros by writing letters and assembling care packages for service men and women.

For several months now the Overbrook Library has hosted Bunko (a social dice game) in the Community Room.    Several dozen persons have enjoyed each other’s company and playing the game.   The action takes place the third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

If you are interested in playing, call Jan Boggs (785665-7262 or 785-220-6920).   A $5.00 donation is suggested.   The next game takes place on January 20, 2015.

The Overbrook Friends of the Library organization is collecting Best Choice product labels for its efforts to support fundraising for the Library.  A large container is at the front desk at the Library for those persons wanting to make a contribution of their labels.  If you have questions, contact Carol Baughman, Friends Chairperson, at 785-665-7180

The Overbrook Library has acquired a new piece of computer technology:  a computer station dedicated to accessing the regional shared catalog.  Patrons can search the catalog, access their account, place hold requests, change their password, or any of a dozen different functions.    The station is currently located in the New Books Shelving area and can be readily seen as patrons come down the stairs from the east entrance.   The Nexpress station cannot access the internet for email or general searches and users do not have to sign-in to use the station.   Patrons are always welcome to approach the librarian on duty for requesting catalog searches.

  The PlayStation 3 gaming console in the Young Adult section of the Overbrook Library is proving to be very popular since its installation at the end of June.  In July the average number of teens visiting the library on a daily basis increased by 40% .   The PS3 console and accessories were paid for by a Kansas Library Gaming Grant and games were provided by a matching grant from the Overbrook Friends organization.    The purpose of the state grant was to provide financial assistance to libraries as they develop young adult programming.   The goal is to encourage an increase in regular teen visits to their local public library and increase the library’s role as a community hub.