Library webcams connect military with family
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Updated: 8:38 AM Feb 19, 2009
Library webcams connect military with family
Web cams installed at 112 libraries across Alabama are ready for military families to use to talk to loved ones overseas. They're a part of Governor Riley's connecting families program. So far, very few people are taking advantage of the free service.
Posted: 8:57 PM Feb 18, 2009
Reporter: Lisa Blackwell
Email Address: lisa@wtvy.com
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Web cams installed at 112 libraries across Alabama are ready for military families to use to talk to loved ones overseas.

They're a part of Governor Riley's connecting families program.

So far, very few people are taking advantage of the free service.

There’s more to the library than books. Now military families can go there to re-connect with loved ones. The Houston-Love Memorial Library has two computers dedicated to providing folks live access to see and talk with members of the military stationed stateside or overseas.

Forbus says, “There are no requirements, for example you don't have to have a library card all we need is for you to call and schedule a time and make sure that your family member on the other end will be available at the time that you want to talk with them.”

You do need to know the Skype account information that all military people have before you go, and there's no time limitations. You can chat as long as you like. In that case, why has it been so quiet at these two computers?

Forbus says, “It's been more word of mouth advertising and of course were ready now to have a real launch of it and let people know of the governor's broadband initiative and cooperation of the gate's foundation to make this project possible.”

Both computers are tucked away, off the beaten path, so families can have a private conversation.

For Linda Ferguson, it means the world to stay connected with her twin sons. She used the library service to talk to Blake who's stationed in Iraq.

Ferguson says, “It's exciting because he's a character anyhow and i actually had to fool him and tell him to behave because there were people behind us watching and there probably were but it was very great, very warming instead of email.”

And while Blake is scheduled to come home shortly, Brandon will be shipping out to Afghanistan soon, making staying in touch, priceless.

For more information on the web cam program, call the Houston Love Memorial Library at (334) 793-9767.


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