The Royal Oak Public Library’s hours will be changing beginning the first week of June. The new library hours will be: Monday and Wednesday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 noon – 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday 10 AM:00 – 6:00 PM. This is a reduction of four hours - from the current 60 hours a week to 56. Additionally, in June library overdue fines will increase from 15 cents to 25 cents per day. Overdue fines can be avoided by renewing materials online, dropping them off 24/7 at the outside drop boxes, or renewing by phone during library hours at (248) 246-3700. The threshold for a library card being blocked because of outstanding fines will be changed from the current $10 to $5. The Royal Oak Public Library Board of Trustees voted to make these changes now to avoid the potential for more drastic cost saving measures in the future.

The art exhibition will coincide with the dedication of Royal Oak Public Library Butterfly Garden Dedication Ceremony on June 23, 2012. Names of participating artists will be included in the Butterfly Garden Dedication program.

Announcing the ELF™ Browser, a child-safe tool that allows children to explore educational and fun websites on the internet. The ELF™ Browser maintains high quality resources on a secured network provided by AWE Digital Learning Solutions. The ELF™ Browser provides added security for parents and a safe way for children to navigate their online environment. This new feature is available on all twelve computers in the Children’s department and can be downloaded and installed on your personal computer.

To help parents encourage their children’s sense of discovery and promote the 21st century learner, we are pleased to announce The AWE (The Advanced Workstation in Education) Early Literacy Station at The Royal Oak Public Library. This system is located in the Youth Services Department and is available for young children to explore and learn. The station features a touchscreen and a brightly colored keyboard which make learning fun. The unit contains pre-loaded software of over 50 age appropriate educational games that promote one-to-one interaction for critical skills development. In addition, the software meets seven curricular areas and is designed to inspire life-long learning. During a time when media literacy has become increasingly important, the library provides a way for all members of our community to utilize this literacy tool.

Generous support for the AWE Early Literacy Station is made possible from the Praxair Foundation, Inc. The Praxair Foundation, Inc. supports public libraries in their efforts to upgrade their technology and assist in acquiring innovative materials and programs. This donation was acquired through a Library Links grant which allowed our library to purchase this pioneering technology for our community.