PRINCETON-Beginning at noon Thursday, Princeton Public Library converts to a new open-sourced integrated library system that offers patrons more options to borrow materials from other libraries from the convenience of a computer.

The local library is one of five Hoosier libraries going live on the "Evergreen Indiana" system this week, with as many as 50 public libraries in the state participating by year's end, said PPL Director Brenda Williams.

The library won't open until noon Thursday, to accommodate the conversion to the new system. Funding for the conversion comes from the Indiana State Library through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act.

After the conversion Thursday, Patoka Twp. and Princeton library patrons will, on their next visit, get a new credit-card sized library card and a small keychain card, once they present a driver's license or state-issued ID card. The new card must be used every time materials are checked out.

Williams said new cardholders can use the library computer or their home computer to browse card catalogs of participating libraries. They can renew books or order books from another participating libraries and have them sent to the Princeton library for pickup.

The software was developed by the Georgia Public Library service and is used nationwide. In Indiana, area libraries participating in the program include Princeton, Huntingburg, Pike County and Loogootee. Williams said the Evansville Public Library system is not yet a part of the consortium.

The system also offers e-mail renewal reminders, as well as the library's current policy of phone reminders to return books that are overdue.

Williams said the new system does not track reading habits. "It protects privacy," she said. The library does track book check-outs back to three users to track responsibility for damages done to library materials, she added, but the information is not shared with anyone.

Overdue fines will be 25 cents daily on all items at all consortium libraries.

Beginning at noon Thursday, PPL begins its fine forgiveness program through Nov. 30. Bring in canned goods and/or non-perishable items with current overdue materials and have the fines erased on that material only. Old fines are not included. Donated items benefit Salvation Army of Gibson/Pike County.