Reference programs are also available. Each Gateway computer has Bookshelf 99, the Encarta Encyclopedia, and Encarta Africana. These programs can be used without inserting a CD.

Finally, each of the Gateway computers has Expedia Streets and Expedia Trip Planner. Expedia Trip Planner will provide maps or door to door driving directions for anyone planning a trip and Expedia Streets displays local maps and information about the area selected.

This fall a series of free Saturday computer classes was held to introduce patrons to the new selection of computer programs that are available at the Mary H. Weir Public Library. These classes were so well attended that additional classes were scheduled. These classes covered topics ranging from Windows Basics to the Searching Internet and PowerPoint Basics. A total of 107 people attended these classes. These classes will be repeated, so watch for a schedule in the spring!

Another group that is taking advantage of the new Gateway computers is the Master Browser Program taught by Hancock County Extension Agent Leanne Moorman. This program provides Internet training to county residents who are then required to provide 30 hours of volunteer service to Extension programs. The Master Browser Classes are being held in the downstairs computer lab Monday evenings through January.

Page Writer Project

Although the grant period for the Page Writer Project has concluded, the project is continuing. This fall several new Page Writers have joined Cynthia. The additions of Martina, Donna, Karen, Maria, Tracy and Kelley bring the current number of Page Writers to seven. Cindy, Mary Ann, and Shelley have left the program for other employment. The new Page Writers are quickly learning library routines. They are sharpening their computer skills, writing annotations, and learning to enter their reviews on the computer using the program written for the Page Writer Project.

The United Way of Middle Tennessee and the Dollar General Foundation funded the Page Writer Project, which involved nine partnerships. The partners were the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Weirton United Way, West Virginia Northern Community College, Regional Education Service Agency RESA VI) with Change, Inc., Personnel Temporary Services, Weirton Area Literacy Council, Weirton Business and Professional Woman’s Club, Weirton Lions Club, and the Mary H. Weir Public Library. The Page Writer Project was one of the projects highlighted at the West Virginia Laubach Literacy Biennial Conference last spring. Rik Rekowski, Mary H. Weir Public Library Director presented the project during a workshop on "Not Your Run of the Mill Programs"

Living History Performance

On February 15, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. the West Virginia Humanities Council will be presenting a living history performance with Karen Vurnach at the Mary H Weir Public Library. She will portray Mary Draper Ingles, who with her young son, was captured by the Shawnee in 1755. Mary’s escape and return home through West Virginia’s New River Gorge is a courageous tale of the frontier. Her story is told in the novel Follow the River by James Alexander Thom.

A Winning Patron for the New Millennium

During the month of December, 396 patrons entered a drawing for a silver Millennium Edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. On December 30, 1999 the drawing was held, and Mary Ward selected Sherri Hall of Wellsburg as the lucky winner. Sherri’s response to the news was "How wonderful! Libraries are the best bargain of the century. The library has everything, is free to the public, and is a great place to take your family."

Library Director, Richard Rekowski, with Mary Ward who selected the winning entry.

312 Patrons Start the Millennium with Fine Free Cards!

The library board offered patrons the opportunity to start the millennium with a fine free library card. The board wanted to encourage everyone to visit the library and make use of the resources available. "We believe the literature and information that the library provides can be used by our patrons to create a positive influence in Weirton," said Mr. Duke Horstemeyer, Board President. Patrons, who had fines forgiven, included 206 women, 68 men, 26 young adults, and 12 children