Library Updates Multimedia Selection

Commack Public Library's Media Center (CPLMC) recently added more Suffolk Wave support, which allows users to "check out" music, movies and e-books through the library's online portal. They have also added Blu-Ray disks at the request of patrons, Library Director Laurie Pastore said.

"This past June we had 109 checkouts, we added 5 new formats, and got 11 new patrons fairly easily," Pastore said about the Suffolk Wave program.

Blu-Ray disks sitting side-by-side VHS tapes illustrate the ways in which the library's media room has changed over the years.

"We saw a demand for Blu-Ray disks as more and more people started to adopt the new type," the director said.

The patron's requests for new technologies, games and new types of media are incorporated into updates. However, despite these upgrades, CDs, VHS tapes, and DVDs, continue to be checked out. This past April the library doled out over 1,250 records, and in June DVD rentals topped 2,400.

And if a patron can't find a particular media item, they can use the reference services at the library.

"It's great for the kids," said Peggy Spalding of East Northport, a local mother. "The kids find pretty much whatever they want, especially the Wii and DSI games. my son requested something the other day and they had it less than a week later."

Playaways, Pastore said, are among the most unique media found at the CPL.

"These little devices allow people to listen to a full book on one little device instead of a whole bunch of CDs," Pastore said. "It's really convenient."

The library also provides USB language learning tools, computers and free wi-fi throughout the building. Computers used by library patrons also allow users to print with a color printer, a new addition as well.