By THOMAS J. ABBOTT
BYU students looking for books, research materials, Internet access and even toys may not be using all of the available resources to obtain these items.
Several local libraries offer resources similar to those of the Harold B. Lee Library, but on a smaller scale.
The Orem City Library, at 58 N. State for 25 years, has more than 200,000 books available to the public. Dick Beeson, director of the Orem City Library, said two to three library items per capita are recommended. The library meets these requirements at this time.
Lanell Reeder, a librarian at the facility, said the library has several magazine publications available for public use. The magazines go back five years. However, the library does not have many professional or academic journals.
'Our library is more in the way of pleasure and recreational reading,' Reeder said. 'But we do have research items available.'
For instance, the library has several computer terminals dedicated to public use of the Internet. The library also has several geological and survey maps.
Reeder and Beeson agreed that Orem has one of the best educational and documentary media collections in the state.
'We have had BYU professors come check out documentaries that they could not find anywhere else,' Beeson said.
Orem City Library does not charge Provo or Orem residents for an annual membership card. The library does charge for the use of its media materials. The charge is $1 or less depending upon the item being rented.
The library added a new wing two years ago. The section is designated for children's books and other reading materials. The library also features several children's program each week. These programs range from plays to storytelling. No fee is required to view these.
Also located within the walls of the library is an organization aimed at building stronger families, the Parents Educational Resource Center.
Myrna Harbaugh, director of PERC and an Orem resident, said the Orem PERC is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is sponsored by the Alpine School District, Region 9 PTA and Orem City.
PERC, which was established in 1983, was appointed a room in the library where they provide children's games and books for use at no charge. PERC also provides educational books, videos and other parenting aids.
The Provo City Library is also available to Provo and Orem residents.
Julie Farnsworth, director of the Provo City Library, said the main support comes from a city property tax on residents. Although land-owning Provo residents pay for the library, a cooperative effort between Provo and Orem cities allows non-landowning residents of Provo and Orem to use the facility without paying a fee.
The Provo City Library, with 141,000 books, falls just short of the recommended requirements, but still has many services to offer the public.
The Provo City Library, at 425 W. Center, has five Internet computer terminals installed for public use. The library does not charge for any media rentals.
Provo City Library also has a PERC chapter. Although not affiliated with the Orem PERC, the Provo organization provides the same types of services. The Provo PERC is fully funded and open during library hours.
Farnsworth said the Provo City Library has some of the best family programs available in the area. Programs and story telling are available for children of all ages every morning.
Family programming is scheduled on Monday nights. Brochures with program scheduling and times are available at the library.
The Springville City Library, at 50 S. Main. The library does not charge Provo residents for the use of its facilities, but it does charge Orem residents. Yearly fees are $30.
Lynette Catherall, director of the Springville City Library, said the facility houses more than 20,000 children's books as well as tapes and videos for public use at no charge.
Catherall said the library is also set up for Internet usage.
'People who want to do full textual database searches can come and use our terminals,' Catherall said.