Everyone in my family loves the library, and why not? Going to the library feels like a free shopping trip inside the world’s most amazing bookstore. You mean we can just take anything we like, and it’s free? And that’s legal?
If the Petersons were an extremely organized family, Library Gadget probably never would have happened. However, a few years ago, we had a fine that was over $30. That bugged me. Also, I noticed that sometimes we would get fines on items that could have been renewed, but we rarely remembered to do that.
One summer night I sat in front of my computer and started to write a very simplified version of Library Gadget, purely for my own use. Over time I opened it up to the public, first as a Google Desktop plugin (since discontinued) and later as an iGoogle gadget. Along the way, I learned a couple new programming languages, so that was fun in a nerdy sort of way. However, for some reason, I didn't ever build a standalone web site for Library Gadget.
Finally, in late 2011 I launched the Library Gadget web site, eliminating any requirement to use Google Desktop or iGoogle. This decision has - predictably - brought me untold riches. Well, maybe not quite yet. But at least the hosts of NPR's Morning Report seem to like it. Wow... Nina Gregory!
Anyway, I hope you find Library Gadget useful and enjoyable.
