Connecting Military Families and Friends at the Library

Link to March 28 Wisconsin Rapids Tribune article, "Library adds video cameras to keep in touch".

Excerpt: Years ago, when loved ones were at war, options to communicate with them were limited to postal mail. Now, thanks to the technology of computers, it is easier -- and faster -- to get in touch with people thousands of miles away.

McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids just installed two webcams for public use, with a goal of connecting family and friends with loved ones in the military. Local library staff members got the idea from a library in Alabama.

"Since we have two staff members who have children deployed with the 32nd Brigade, we thought this was a great idea," said Andy Barnett, assistant director at McMillan Memorial Library. Andy's son, Jonathan, is one of them -- currently training in Texas for overseas missions.

For information on the Alabama program, "Connecting Families":
Link to December 9 Alabama Governor's office news release "Governor Riley Launches Connecting Families Initiative". Includes link to list of participating libraries.

Link to January 9 Government Technology post, "Governor Riley Pushes Expansion of Broadband into Rural Areas of Alabama".

Link to January 22 Clarke County Democrat article, "Talk to military via library's webcam".

Link to Birmingham Public Library blog.

Link to February 13 Shelby County (Alabama) Reporter, "Computers connect military families".