La Feria’s Upgraded Library Readies for Summer

“Lots of new services for everybody”

La Feria’s Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library promises to be a popular place to slip out of the sizzling, summer heat and take advantage of the air conditioning while you enjoy the upgraded services and summer programs during July and August. “If you haven’t been to the library recently, you need to come and see what’s new in our enhanced, state-of-the-art learning center–you are going to be surprised.” Those were the compelling words of its Director Lori Vogt.

This spirited young lady has been heading the library staff since 1998. Vogt has 17 years of library service. Library Assistant Veronica Rubio has 18 years of service. These busy ladies gave LA FERIA NEWS an update on all the new services and equipment that is now available to local citizens–and there is much to see.

The big news at the library is the acquisition of a new, bigger, and better Internet provider. This means that customers using the banks of 30 new state-of-the-art Dell computers will be able to access even more services than before. She stressed that students, business people, and everybody is welcome to use the computers, cost-free, and explore the Internet with free Wi-Fi for research and pleasure. “All you have to have is a current library card,” she added.

The Computer Lab was in full use as LA FERIA NEWS made the tour. Gabriel Tamez, Adrian Zuniga and Chris Hinojosa were busy at the keyboards. Regular users of the computers and internet say, “These computers are so handy for me. It is a great place to come and study.” “Often, the Computer Lab is jam-packed with people of all ages,” Lori said.

Library Director Lori Vogt listed the summer library programs for La Feria school-age kids 4-12 years old. “We have several exciting programs for the kids during their summer vacation,” she said. The library now has six volunteers who will read stories during the Tuesday and Thursday 2 p.m. Story Time programs. There will also be arts and crafts programs for the kids. And refreshments will be provided for the children and their parents. Vogt added that they are always looking for volunteer readers and workers during the summer. Something to think about, no?

Parents sometimes ask about security and access to undesirable web-sites for their children. Vogt assures parents that they shouldn’t fret about harmful web-sites as the library has systems to filter children’s access. Library personnel continuously monitor and oversee the contents of the programs being utilized. All screens are fully visible.

More good news for library users is that a second-floor Multi-Media Meeting room has been added to the existing building. “This will allow civic and other organizations to have a nice place for public meetings,” she said, adding, “this new facility is equipped for video-conferencing, and additionally, the library also plans to host computer classes for the public.” Readers should call Lori or Veronica for more information.

Another popular area in the library is the dedicated area called The Kiddie Korner. It features all-new, relaxing “kid-size” furniture where youngsters can do homework, and catch up on what’s going on in their worlds. “Libraries have become lively, energetic places these days,” Vogt said. “Our library is a first-class facility providing almost everything that any major library offers–something we can be proud of.”

Lori and her staff say: “See you at the library–reading is educational, it broadens your horizons, it opens up new worlds to you, and besides–it’s fun!”