LEXINGTON PARK, Md. (June 13, 2009)—The St. Mary's County Library system has added a new service to connect families and friends geographically separated. This new service called 'Face Time @ Your Library' uses dedicated computers equipped with video webcams to enable families to have face-to-face chats with loved ones living anywhere in the world. To use the service, family members living elsewhere will need access to a webcam-equipped computer and high speed Internet.
Although initially intended to connect military families, Face Time @ Your Library can be used by anyone who is separated by distance from their loved ones. Recently, Leonardtown Library staff member Raisa White used the service to visit with former library employee Maggie Phalen who is studying abroad.
"This is another fine example of the library applying technology to help improve the lives of our county residents," said Robert Palmer, lead computer services technician for the St. Mary's County Library system.
The three branches in Lexington Park, Leonardtown, and Charlotte Hall also offer WiFi Internet access.
For more information or to set up a Face Time session, contact your library branch. Locations and hours are available at http://www.stmalib.org/about.html .