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Public Information Kiosk, or PIKinc., a division of 3M Library Systems, has donated an information kiosk to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. The kiosk, or E-Branch Library, has been installed at the CATS bus station. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library was chosen to receive the kiosk in acknowledgement of the tremendous increase in library service in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "The Library recognizes that many displaced residents rely upon public transportation," says Director Lydia M. Acosta, "Locating the kiosk at the CATS terminal guarantees access to those who need the resources of the kiosk and the Library as well as the Capital Area Transit System." Around 5.5 million people come through the location annually, making it an ideal place for information access.
Positioned in the bus terminal next to the Customer Service desk, the E-Branch will serve as an information resource for those in emergency situations or in need of assistance. The kiosk has a touch and find screen, with links to several state resources, such as Housing Assistance and Hurricane Disaster Relief. The kiosk phone connects patrons to the Library Information Service hotline. Internet access is also available; however, websites are limited.
"The kiosk represents an incredible partnership between CATS and the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system. Mrs Acosta's vision has blessed our customers with an invaluable resource. We look forward to more partnering opportunities in the future," says Dwight Brashear, Chief Executive Officer for the Capital Area Transit System, (CATS).
PIKinc. has distributed 25 E-Branch Libraries to different parts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama, as a result of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "We are proud and pleased that we can be a part of recovery efforts for those who need access to information and the Internet," said Fred E. Goodman, president of PIKinc. In other states, kiosks have been placed in Wal-Mart, food centers, bus stations, and senior citizen centers.
The E-Branch is available during the same hours of operation for the CATS terminal - Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information, call (225) 231-3700.
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