Thanks to a new state-of-the-art digital microfilm reader system, Hutchinson Public Lbrary patrons can once again access the library’s microfilm collection of Hutchinson Leader newspapers.
The new networkable system replaced the library’s 1970-era microfilm reader. This purchase was made possible through a $7,385 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society through the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy Funds plus a $2,000 donation from the city of Hutchinson.
The ST III Digital Reader/Printer/Viewer/Scanner is equipped with the latest technology to capture digital images from microfilm, microfiche and 16mm or 35mm film. The system features optical character recognition searchable text tools to allow for quicker text scanning and searching.
The microfilm reader system was installed last month. The new system is now housed on the main floor near other computers and is available free of charge to all library visitors. Patrons may view, crop, edit, print and/or electronically transmit images. Black and white copies printed at the library are 15 cents per page and color copies are 50 cents per page.
The library staff is available to assist patrons with the new microfilm reader. The public is welcome to come in and use this new technology to access historical articles and other information found in past issues of the Hutchinson Leader.
The Hutchinson Public Library is open to the public 58 hours per week: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information, call Pam Dille, head librarian, at 320-587-2368, or email: pamela.dille@pioneerland.lib.mn.us.
