Easy to navigate R.J. Kleberg Library website appeals to youngsters and adults. In addition to celebrating 100 years of service to the community, the Robert J. Kleberg Public Library is proud to announce the relaunching of its website.

The updated website, which was launched Oct.1, has been two years in the making and has many new features, which makes it more user friendly for patrons of the library.

“We started this new project on Oct. 12, 2007, and although it is about 90 percent finished, we decided to launch it on Oct. 1 so the public could see what we have been working on. We would rather have it out now then deprive the community of the useful information,” Library Director Robert Rodriguez said.

The new website features library services, community information and databases for reference information.

In addition to a library catalog so patrons can check for book availability, a calendar of upcoming library events and lists of current best-selling books for adults, teens, and kids are available.

“The information presented is essentially the same, but the organization is different, in part due to the tabbed navigation system,” the library director said.

The new system allows rapid updating of information and opportunities for interaction,” Rodriguez said.

The new home page has direct links to the Interlibrary Loan Program, which is a service in which libraries throughout the United States borrow books through a computerized network.

“If we do not have a particular book in the library, any registered patron can request that book and only pay a small postage fee for it to be delivered,” said Rodriguez. “There is no need to travel anywhere else to find the book.”

The homepage also features a link to NetLibrary Electronic Books which allows a patron to view books online that are not available in the library.

The registered patron would need to stop by the library and request the login and password before being able to view e-books online through the TexShare database.

“Not only does the TexShare database house the NetLibrary E-Books, but it is an amazing source for information with everything ranging from history, genealogy, and literature information to information on health, medicine, and businesses,” Rodriguez said.

Currently under construction but to be finished soon is the new Kids and Teens page which will feature references for children and teenagers of all ages.

“There will be helpful websites for homework help and also recommended reading for kids and teens depending on their age. We are also thinking about putting educational games on the page to make the site more fun.” Rodriguez said.

Not only is the website a source for information about the library services but there is now a new feature called the Community Page which has links to local government services, utilities and emergency information, and other local points of interest such as the Naval Air Base and the King Ranch.

“We wanted the website to provide a lot of information about the library and also make it a one-stop destination for important information pertaining to our Coastal Bend area,” Rodriguez said. “We want to service people all over the Coastal Bend including TAMUK college students and Bishop, Sarita, Driscoll, Ricardo, and Riviera residents. We are here to help them with any library services they might need,” Rodriguez said.

Kleberg County residents can register at the library for free as long as they show proof of residence.

Kenedy County residents are currently being offered free library services for one year now through December 31, 2009. The card will be valid for one year from the date of registration. For those residing outside Kleberg County, a fee of $7.00 is charged for an annual membership. Family Cards are available for $25.00 annually and are issued individually to each family member.

“I want to extend a huge thank you to Brandon Borowicz, our Computer Tech Services Librarian, who was instrumental in helping make my ideas for the website a reality and although he is no longer with us; I really appreciate what he did for the library,” Rodriguez said.

The new website’s address is www.kleberglibrary.com and the public is invited to take a look around and see all the information the site has to offer.

“We hope this new navigation system is more user friendly and easier to operate. We welcome feedback on the library’s redesigned homepage and any comments users may have,” Rodriguez said.