By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Public Library is open to the community six days a week. Now, the library can assist residents even when closed. A new solar charging station was recently installed near the Williams Street entrance. Adult Services Librarian Erin Ferguson said foundation funds were used to purchase the station.
"With last year's foundation money, we purchased the umbrella," she said. "We already had the existing bench. It used to be at the back of the library but we brought it to the front. We put in the umbrella so people can charge their devices outside when the library is closed."
A picnic table allows users to have a seat while charging. The station is equipped with USB-C and USB-A cords, and also has USB ports to plug in other types of cords.
"It's both solar-powered and has batteries, so just in case it's gray and doesn't have the power stored, it does have a battery backup," said Ferguson.
The Great Bend Public Library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.