In this era of fast-paced technology children are learning to navigate computer programs at younger ages, such as preschoolers, ages 4 to 6, at the Oak Harbor Library children’s area.

Earlier this month, the library finished expanding their “Ready Readers” area to include kid-size furniture, a special checkout station, book collections with simple vocabulary and the colorful computers.

“The computers are very popular,” Mary Campbell, of the Oak Harbor Library, said. “The keyboard is multi-colored and we have mice that look like ladybugs.”

Computers are linked to Paint programs, Dora the Explorer educational games and Tumble Books, a read-along collection.

“The programs are very educational and I don’t think it replaces reading or reading with parents,” Campbell said. “It’s amazing how quickly they learn.”

Campbell said families appreciate the extra space. Oversized cushions are piled on the floor and there’s additional room for strollers.

The area is most populated after “Storytime,” music and stories for children 18 months to 3 years, which is offered three days a week. Parents take their children from the conference room to the reading area.

“Sometimes you’ll see mom and child sit in the big chair reading and dad is sitting in a smaller chair using a laptop,” Campbell said.

Friends of the Library helped raise funds for the new room through books sales and fundraisers. They’ve contributed about $6,000 over the last two years, which went towards chairs, cushions and computer tables for the “Ready Readers” area. Last year, Windermere helped to paint the room.

“A lot of volunteer work went into this,” Campbell said.

The program is aimed at improving early literacy. Call 675-5115 for more information and library hours.