FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANTON, MS (February 26, 2007) — The Madison County Library System has extended hours on Saturdays in its three largest branches. In addition, wireless internet access will soon be available in these three branches as well as a new online catalog/account management system and new online resources.

Saturday hours in the Canton, Madison, and Ridgeland branches are now 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is an additional 312 hours per year, or the equivalent of 13 full days of added yearly service. Beginning in late March the Canton, Madison, and Ridgeland branches will have wireless internet access freely available to the public; the Camden and Flora branches are scheduled to begin wireless service later this year. A new online catalog/account management system, iBistro, will also be available to Madison County patrons beginning in mid-late March. iBistro will present patrons with a more user-friendly interface and enhanced searching capabilities including title summaries, cover images, reviews, and the ability to add titles to a bibliography list for future reference. Moreover, iBistro will open account management options to patrons: library card holders will be able to renew items, place holds, and view due dates all online. New online resources available are HeritageQuest (a genealogical database), Chilton’s Auto Repair Online, and NextReads, which allows patrons to sign up for free email newsletters containing reading suggestions in a variety of genres.

The Madison County Library System is committed to providing the library resources and services necessary to meet the evolving informational, recreational, and cultural needs of the public, thus enhancing individual and community life. Branches are located in Camden, Canton, Flora, Madison, and Ridgeland.

Contact:
Jason Moore
Assistant Systems Administrator / Public Information Officer
Madison County Library System
102 Priestley St.
Canton, MS 39046
jmoore@mcls.ms
(601)-859-7733 x108