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Adult
| Collections |
The Gadsden Public Library (GPL) maintains an extensive, up-to-date collection of reference and circulating materials covering all disciplines. The collection is especially strong in the areas of fine arts, business, career development, gardening, cooking and religious/inspirational books and reference sources. Consult GPL’s Public Access Catalog for holdings.
The Gadsden Public Library is a member of various library-related associations and consortium which provides GPL with access to other library collections inside and outside of the State of Alabama. Consult a GPL staff member for assistance in requesting materials from other libraries.
The print collection is enhanced by many online databases, some of which may be accessed from your home computer. Some of these databases include the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL), Learning Express Library (preparation help for standardized tests), HeritageQuest (family history research) and Tell Me More (foreign language assistance).
In addition to the print collection, GPL has an extensive circulating collection of DVD movies, music CDs, audio-books, books on tape and large print books. The online Public Access Catalog allows you to search the Main collection of the Gadsden Public Library along with its two branches located in Alabama City and East Gadsden.
As a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center the Gadsden Public Library provides visitors with free public access (in the library) to grantmaker directories, books on fundraising and nonprofit management, and to the Foundation Center's electronic databases known as The Foundation Directory Online and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online.
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| Instructional Services |
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The Gadsden Public Library offers a continuing series of free computer classes for beginners and more advanced users. Classes range from teaching computer basics to learning how to explore the Internet to more software-specific classes on understanding and using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. For more information and the find out the current schedule, visit our Computer Class page or contact Craig Scott at: 256-549-4699 ext. 120 or craig@gadsdenlibrary.org.
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| Public Programs |
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Please check out GPL’s Programs Page for information about all our programs, including book groups, computer classes, author visits, and more!
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| Periodicals and Newspapers |
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The GPL collection includes more than 50 current magazine subscriptions and 12 newspapers. The library is pleased to announce that the Gadsden Times newspaper is available on microfilm (or hardcopy) from 1867 to the present.
Many other newspapers and periodicals from around the world now place current issues of their publications on the Internet. Several indexes and finding aids are available via the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) allowing you access to newspapers, magazines and other publications both in the library and from your home or business computer.
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| Computer Resources |
At the Main Library, dedicated “card catalog” computers are available to search the online catalog easily and conveniently. In addition, GPL has more than 50 public computers available at the Main Branch, Alabama City Branch and East Gadsden Branch offering Internet access and a full suite of Microsoft Office v2007 programs including: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and more. The Computer Lab, located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library, includes 12 computers which offer Internet access, Microsoft Office programs and more. In addition, there are 2 computers in the Computer Lab designated as “Express” computers for those who need to quickly check their e-mail accounts or for an Internet site (15 minutes maximum time allowed). The Computer Lab is available during regular GPL operating hours. Public access computers are available for reservation with a Gadsden Public Library card (two hours of time per patron per day allowed at the Main Library and one hour of time per patron per day allowed at the two other branch libraries). A limited number of guest passes are available for out-of-state visitors. Computer use is governed by GPL’s Computer Use and Public Internet Access Policy.
Printing: All Internet and computer workstations are networked for printing. The charge for printing is 10 cents per page (black & white) or 50 cents per page for color.
GPL’s Main facility and its two branches in Alabama City and East Gasden do not have a scanner for public use.
Wireless Access:
All three GPL locations are equipped with wireless (WiFi) access. Librarians and Library Support Staff are available to assist patrons and to ensure that the network is running properly, however, they are not equipped to configure a patron’s laptop.
Printing from a laptop is available only by saving work to a disk and printing from one of the library’s computer workstations.
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| Persons with Disabilities |
The Gadsden Public Library provides handicapped parking spaces, entrance ramps, and elevator access to all public levels.
For visually impaired persons, the library has a collection of large print books, audio-books on CD, and books on tape.
For more information on resources available to the physically disabled, call or e-mail Craig Scott at 256-549-4699 ext 120 or craig@gadsdenlibrary.org.
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