Clarion library receives donation for new staff computers

From staff reports

CLARION – The Clarion Free Library received $6,000 from the Immaculate Conception Parish Knights of Columbus. The funds will be used to replace the library’s staff computers.

Matt Hummel and Vince Ganoe of the Knights of Columbus Council 7549 presented the donation to Daniel Parker, the library’s executive director.

The Clarion Free Library was invited to present projects in need of funding to the Knights of Columbus’ Executive Board in December and one of the items that stood out to the group was the need for new staff computers. The staff computers are used for cataloging books and other materials, managing patron records, reference services and the circulation of materials.

“The Knight’s donation is a huge help to us as we work to update the library’s technology in order to better serve our community,” Parker said.

The library last got “new” staff computers in 2011 when it received a donation of used computers from Community Action. Those machines, already five years old when received, have been gradually wearing out and have become incompatible with new software, Parker said.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to helping individuals and groups in the community to overcome challenges.

“Charity is a core value of the Knights of Columbus,” said Grand Knight Vince Ganoe, “supporting the Clarion Free Library helps the whole community.”

Ganoe said the Knights have a long history of service in the community, and giving generously in support of families and children.

For Hummel, Assistant Grand Knight, the decision to donate to the Clarion Free Library was an easy one.

“My wife Courtney and I take our three kids to the library every week and we know how great the children’s programs are,” he said.

“That’s in addition to the library classes Clarion Free provides to Immaculate Conception School,” Hummel added.

The library expects the new computers to be installed next week, according to Parker.