Libraries have been automating since before the turn of the 21st century. In fact, libraries are very 21st century, providing access to public computers and computer training, thus making sure the less-advantaged are not left on the wrong side of the Digital Divide.

Another fact: The Jersey City Free Public Library, a 119-year-old system, has been in the computerization forefront since 1994, when the Computer Learning Resource Center opened in the Miller Branch Library during my tenure as branch manager. Since then, while serving as library director, two other Computer Training Centers have been opened - at Five Corners and the Main Library - to sell-out crowds, so to speak.

I invite The Jersey Journal (and everyone!) to explore the research capabilities of the New Jersey Room - right from your offices at "30 Square" - on the Digital Highway regarding the first settlers of Jersey City. The grant, the Dutch Immigration Project (a collection of Dutch documents from the 18th and 19th centuries) - supported in whole or part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, and administered by the New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State College - has made available the digitizing of images for The Changing Face of New Jersey: The Immigration Experience From Earliest Times to the Present.

All you need is a valid library card - of the plastic variety, with a bar code and PIN. Come join our 151,046 (as of March 5) Jersey City library card members! To do so, please visit our Web site: www.jclibrary.org.

PRISCILLA GARDNER LIBRARY DIRECTOR JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY