The youngest patrons are making a bee line for the newest computers in Brown Library’s children’s room.

The AWE (formerly Advanced Workstations in Education) computers were donated recently by the Friends of Brown Library group, according to children’s librarian Terry Rollins.

“I’m very grateful to the Friends for donating these two computers,” Rollins said. “The Friends have a commitment to children’s services that helps us purchase books, have computer technology and offer the summer reading program. The Friends of the Brown Library is a remarkable group and they provide services to the entire library, not just children’s services.”

The new computers supplement two older models already in use at the library; Rollins said plans are in place to replace the older computers with new AWE models within the next two years.

The new computers offer programs and features geared toward library patrons ranging from preschool age to 10 years old, according to Rollins. The 70 educational programs cover a wide range of subjects, including literature, mathematics, science, art and music.

Even the look of the computers is different from the standard fare.

“They have bright, inviting keyboards designed especially for children, with large print letters and different color keys,” Rollins said.

The library is pleased with the children’s reactions upon seeing the computers for the first time.

“The response has been amazing,” Rollins said. “The children are discovering how many games are on them and they’re finding out how much is on these computers.”

But the library has no plans to replace books with computers.

“In this world of technology that we’re in, children are drawn first to computers, and so to have these wonderful, new computers just as children enter the children’s room is quite exciting to them,” Rollins noted. “As a library, we’re happy to offer technology, and we hope this will pique a child’s interest more toward books. We have books on all educational levels.”

Speaking of books, Friends of the Brown Library members are gearing up for their annual used book sale. That event runs Friday through Sunday of this week, with a special sneak preview for FOBL members on Thursday night, according to Rollins.

For more information, call the Brown Library at 252-946-4300.