From April 14 until April 30, Braswell Memorial Library conducted the Impact Survey, a survey of library technology users. The Impact Survey is a tool that was developed by the University of Washington and designed for public libraries to provide information on how our communities use and benefit from free access to computers and the Internet at the library.

The information gathered by the survey provides a snapshot of who is using public access computers and Internet at the library. It is interesting that 86% of Braswell Memorial Library's public access technology users report that they have alternative Internet access somewhere other than the library. Still computer access in the library is very important.  Of those with alternant access, 67% said that they received help with a computer question when they visited the library. The library provides computers and Internet access to many community members who cannot afford Internet in their homes. Of the public technology users with no alternative access, 73% are low income.

Libraries are the one public institution that provides services and resources for people at all stages of life. People have relied on their community library to provide information on every topic imaginable. Now a lot of our questions can be answered on the Internet, but libraries still have a very important role to play. Public access technology, available for free at the library, enables community members to fully participate in society. Computers and Internet access open the doors to employment, education, and social connections. For some community members, library public technology access is a convenience. For others, it is essential.

Melissa Corso, School Services Librarian, and Scott Houston, Young Adult Librarian, have teamed up to provide some imaginative and fun programs during the month of May.  If you were in the library on May 3^rd you would have noticed some very unusual events taking place. Young heroes with amazing super-powers attended the Super Hero Training Academy held in the children's library.  Heroes in training created masks to conceal their true identities. They performed feats of strength such as lifting the "Rock of Doom" and donning hulk hands or grabbing Thor's hammer to demolish the "brick" wall. Those with the strength and fortitude to complete the academy were rewarded with a prize bag, a certificate and the invitation to go upstairs and enjoy further festivities.

On the second floor, Librarian Scott Huston hosted free comic book day. The objectives were to give away comic books, for free, to library visitors. Many of the comic books featured Super Heroes and library staff members cheerfully distributed them to our academy graduates. Criteria for receiving a comic book for free included: coming to the program; having a library card or signing up for a library card, attending Super Hero Training Academy, checking out a YA book, wearing a costume and other activities. Some attendees qualified for five free comic books or more! Local artist and public school teacher, Matthew Staub conducted a Comic Book Workshop Art & Trivia Contest. He gave pointers on developing your own artistic style. Mr. Staub also generously gave participants some of his personal collection of trading cards and comic books. Upstairs and down, it was an exciting day in the library.