Neligh Public Library Plans Open House For New Database

After nearly one year and more than $11,000, the Neligh Public Library has made things much easier to look up information in old newspapers.

Director Jennifer Norton said Neligh newspapers, dating back to 1879, have been converted into a digital database.

Norton said patrons will be able to access the information at the library, using a laptop and printer specifically set aside for this purpose. 

She said the local library is planning an open house at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 15 for the new digital database.

The project began last August when Norton approached the city council for funding. Additional monies came from the Kreutz-Bennett Grant, Charles Bartak memorial, Neligh Library Foundation and anonymous private donations. The total cost was $11,135.

Norton said the Advantage Companies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa converted microfilm and old newspapers to the digital format. Before this, she said the library had microfilm for 1879 to 2001, while newspapers from 2002 to 2013 were stored in the basement of the library. 

"We wanted to digitally preserve our local history," Norton said. "Now people can easily search for the information using our computer." 

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