DAPHNE, Ala.— Through a grant, the Daphne Public Library purchased an iMac computer with a built-in video camera, which has been put to use for video conferencing calls with members of the armed forces overseas.

“We received a grant about a year and a half ago. It is set up in our reference office so that with an appointment someone could come in by themselves or with their family and use the computer in a closed room with privacy to speak with their loved one,” Tonja Young, library director said.

Skype, a free service between members, is used to conduct the videoconferencing calls.

City Council member Derek Boulware said the tool is a great opportunity.

“I had the opportunity a week ago to tour the library … there is one thing that stood out that I don’t believe many people know exists. If we have a citizen of Daphne whose loved one is currently deployed overseas we have the ability for them to come to the library and not only call them but actually see them in real time. I thought that was an amazing opportunity that we have,” he said.

Young said the library is trying to give people appointments of up to two hours to make their phone calls.

In other news, the library has purchased Rosetta Stone software for Spanish, French, German and Italian.

“We have levels one, two and three. A lot of people are using it and it seems to be very popular,” Young said.

For more information contact the library at 251-621-2818.