Computer use is on the rise at the Peachtree City Library, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the skyrocketing demand.

The library has scheduled computer classes beginning July 12, with 119 people signed up as of June 10 — and that's just senior citizens. The general public hasn't been allowed to register yet for computer labs.

Right now there are six stations in the lab to accommodate these students, and with five-week classes scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, there's a bit of a wait for some folks.

But the library is constantly looking for ways to expand the capacity and take on more equipment, according to library technology manager Jill Kuhns.

That includes donations of old computers, since the classes will not require the latest equipment. Anything above a Pentium 75 will be accepted as a donation, Kuhns said.

Each session, consisting of one class per week for five weeks, costs $25. The library hopes to be able to run two classes simultaneously to better meet the demand.

The workshop starts with the absolute basics of a computer — what's inside it, how to shop for one, and other important things to know for those who have little or no experience in front of a terminal.

“We get a lot of calls from people who say, `I don't even know how to turn one on,'” said Kuhns.

The classes also will cover Windows 95/98, Microsoft Works, and the Internet.

Speaking of the Internet, the library is still making progress toward having greatly enhanced access for all of its patrons, with 11 terminals to be online very soon.

Right now there are only three with Internet access for the public, due to security reasons. But Internet use has still soared to a high of 165 hours the week of May 22.

The library is awaiting the installation of software that will allow patrons to log on themselves by simply typing their numbers on the screen, instead of having to find a staff member and write on a signup sheet.

The new security features could be installed this week, Kuhns said.

The addition of technology in nearly every facet of the library, from computers and the Internet to books on tape, have created a slight decline in the number of actual books being checked out, she said.

Along with the World Wide Web, customers have a number of other electronic reference tools at their disposal which allow them to print out the information they need and take it home with them instead of lugging a number of books, Kuhns said.

And use of the technology at the library is being spread throughout the age spectrum, from senior citizens in the computer labs to elementary school students using the Internet for research projects.

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