ST. CLOUD - The Great River Regional Library system is seeing more digital checkouts and technology use in its locations.

Last year over 160,000 digital checkouts were made using the library website. Anyone with a library card is able to access the online collection from their computer or mobile device.

Karen Pundsack is the interim executive director and associate director of patron services at the library, she says digital book checkouts have become a more popular since they were first made available in 2010.

Over 203,000 people used library computers last year. Over 71,000 wireless connections were also made in library locations.

The 32 library locations have 201 computers available with internet for public use. A survey done last spring shows the computers are most often used for communicating with family and friends, pursuing an interest, finding reviews for books/movies and learning new skills.

Even with increased technology, physically checking out books is still a popular choice. In 2014, 3.47 million items were checked out of Great River Regional Libraries.

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