Library exercising more than brains

by Karina Hunter

This brother-sister team had a great time playing Wii Bowling at the Manitouwadge Public Library visiting from Ottawa during the March Break.

Manitouwadge

The Wii systems were purchased thanks to the $15 million Provincial Investment in Ontario Public Libraries to help SOLS (Southern Ontario Library Services) and OLS-North (Ontario Library Services North) work collaboratively to “support public libraries to bridge the digital divide and to provide all Ontarians with equitable access to digital information, community collections and services”, the last quarterly disbarment of which was received in 2009 from the Ontario Ministry of Culture. 

One Wii system is permanently installed in its own ‘game room’ at the library along with several multi-game packages and a large flat screen television while the two others are available for loan to community groups and organizations. Though the systems have been available for several months now and Library CEO Janis Lamothe continues sending regular reminders to community organizations, including schools and the seniors’ centre, as they are not being used to their full potential “We hope to have more input from those using the systems before deciding on any purchases of complimentary games or equipment” explained Lamothe.

The Wii game room is open for play at no charge during all regular library hours while groups or organizations need only call the Lamothe at 826-3913 to arrange free rental of either of the other two systems.

Submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal, 03.16.10

 residents missing the bowling alley since it’s closure last year, now have an option should they feel the need to throw a strike.  The Manitouwadge Public Library is reminding the young and young at heart looking for excercise, but not interested in braving the elements or pumping iron, that they have 3 Nintendo Wii Systems available for the public to enjoy.