LIVERPOOL -- People looking for information from their local library will soon have another option at their fingertips, literally.
The new "Info2go" program offered by Onondaga County Public Libraries allows people to text a local librarian for answers to quick reference questions. Want to know what time a certain library opens or more information about an upcoming event? Simply send a text to the number 66746 and the keyword "Info2go" to go to find your answer.
Librarians can also give answer trivia questions. If you are wondering who was the pitcher who gave up the famous home run to Bobby Thompson dubbed "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" that clinched the 1951 National League pennant, and the answer "Ralph Branca" will be sent back to you within minutes.
The program does not limit the user by location, and like other text messaging services is free for those who have unlimited texting in their service plans.
Librarians from the Central Library, Betts, Beauchamp, Mundy and Soule branches, the Liverpool Public Library and the Northern Onondaga Public Library are collaborating to provide the text reference service. The service is available Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Info2go is designed for quick questions that require brief answers. For more in-depth questions, people can call 315-435-1900, or use the AskUs24/7 chat reference service at www.onlib.org.
