LIONS CLUB
Modern use for public libraries discussed
BY BILLY WATSON

Evelyn Stewart introduced speaker, Ruth Mather, librarian of the Singletary Memorial Library, who presented the program on public libraries at the June 14 Lions Club meeting. Libraries have been part of the fabric of American life since the first municipally funded library opened in Boston in 1859. Rusk has had a library since 1902. Today public libraries offer more than books. They offer books on tape, CD's and DVD's, movies, fax service, e-books and computer software to check out.

Many libraries provide the public with access to computers and the internet. More than a third of Americans don't have internet access at home and for these people the public library is the place for connection. Libraries provide computer and various levels of training for all users.

The internet is a confidential way for people with health problems to get answers about diseases, medications and health care providers.

College students use internet computers to apply for financial aid, get lecture notes or take courses online. Many food service workers have used library computers to take the exams to receive their state certification. Students of all ages use the internet for research and many type their homework papers using the Word Processing program. Users of library computers search for jobs, fill out applications online and create professional looking resumes. Many job applications such as Union Pacific, must be filled out online. Others like the State of Texas application must be printed using the computer. Users can do local and international banking online as well as pay bills and apply for credit cards.

During income tax season a person can download most IRS forms and taxpayers can file their returns online.

During hurricanes Katrina and Rita, evacuees used computers to contact friends, family and employers. They applied for FEMA aid using computers. Travelers within the area check their e-mail at the library and area residents can setup free e-mail accounts using Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail.

More than 60 percent of people who use the public library nationwide do so primarily to use computers and the internet. When libraries began offering public access internet in 2000, one out of six library visitors used the internet. In 2005-2006 half the visitors to the public library used the internet.

About 10 years ago, people began talking about the 'digital divide'-making sure that the internet was available to all people regardless of race, income or age. The Federal and State Governments, foundations, libraries and local communities teamed up to get our Nation's libraries online and according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 99 percent of the libraries now have internet access. The Gates Foundation gave libraries in economically disadvantaged areas throughout the US and Canada computers to make this happen.

Club president Sonny Adams introduced guests, Shirley Burfoot and Boots Burfoot.

Since June 14 was Flag Day, Bobby Burch passed out flag paper napkins to everyone. She also played a recording of the "Star Spangled Banner" featuring the Isaacs and "Let Freedom Ring" featuring the Gaither Vocal Band.

New cardiologist speaks at

recent club meeting

The Rusk Lions Club members had special guests Ravinder B. Reddy M.D.,Julie Vining, Dusty Haggard and Norma Daniel at the June 7 meeting.

The program was introduced by Ms. Vining, who recognized Dr. Reddy. Dr. Reddy received his medical degree from Osmandia Medical College in India and completed his residency at Saint Barnaba Medical Center in New Jersey. Dr. Reddy completed his cardiology fellowship at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital/Texas Heart Institute in Houston. He works in cardiology and likes the clinical challenge of cardiac care.

His father is a dermatologist. His wife is a family medical doctor and will soon come to Tyler to set up a practice.

Dr. Reddy has performed many heart catherizations. He performed his first heart catherization in Jacksonville at Trinity Mother Frances that week and everything went well. He is also well trained in MRI-CT. Few doctors are trained in this category.

He likes to spend time with his patients on a one-to-one relationship.

Ms. Vining spoke about the new Fitness Center located at Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Jacksonville. The equipment for the center will arrive Aug. 14. They are now taking enrollments. It will have a three-lap lane pool and the water can be heated.

Aerobic classes will be offered. Professional personnel will be operating all activities. The first day of participation for people who enroll will be free for all events. This fitness center will be larger than the one in Tyler.

A computer will evaluate physical training every three months. It will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Day care will be provided for members while they are working out at a cost of $10 per month. Christian music will be provided all day. The Fitness Center prices come in a variety of packages that are available to the public, Ms. Vining said.