Lifestyle & Entertainment: Wi-Fi, video games all part of public libraries version 2.0

Lifestyle & Entertainment: Wi-Fi, video games all part of public libraries version 2.0: "With Nintendo Wii gaming controllers strapped to their wrists, four keenly focused boys whooped it up as they battled through a game of 'Super Smash Brothers Brawl.'
Assorted spectators, some waiting their turn at the video game, occasionally barked out appreciative or caustic commentary.
While it might sound like a sacrilegious activity to take place in a public library, the gamers didn't draw any dirty looks from librarians, let alone the dreaded 'Shhhh!' In fact, that scene is common at libraries around Madison these days. Mere feet away, other patrons of the Alicia Ashman branch library were reading quietly, oblivious to the exuberant competition behind the door of the west side library's community room.
Libraries were once feared to be headed for obsolescence as the digital age made massive amounts of information accessible from a home computer. But now, in addition to helping patrons find the latest Michael Chabon novel, libraries have adapted -- and prospered -- by offering perks like free wireless access, gaming, computer skills classes and assistance in navigating the flood of resources on the Internet.
At the same time, library design has changed to emphasize multiple spaces to accommodate the diverse services offered to patrons, and to create an attractive location for a community to gather. Such changes will come to life in Madison later this year with the opening of the new Sequoya branch library in the Sequoya Commons mixed-use development at Midvale and Tokay boulevards."