The Vashon Library recently bought a new reader and printer for microfiche and microfilm and is the first branch in the King County Library System to have a machine of this type.

Called the Scan-Pro 2000, it sits next to and interfaces with the library computers. It will allow patrons to research Island history through The Beachcomber, which the library carries on film and fiche back to 1907. It will also be helpful to genealogists and professional writers who conduct research in newspapers and periodicals, according to Jan Riley, the library’s operations supervisor.

The machine is easy to use, Riley said, and can magnify, straighten, focus, zoom, crop and brighten. A “word search” function highlights any word, which is particularly helpful when genealogists are looking for a family name, and there are several options for scrolling speed.

With the Scan-Pro, people can still print desired material, including in color, and email material to themselves or save it to a USB drive or a disc. An information sheet is available to users, and library staff are happy to help as well, Riley noted.

Funds for the Scan-Pro, which cost about $10,000, came from donations from Vashon Library patrons.

The Scan-Pro arrived in May, according to Laurie Tucker, a library assistant, and has been well received so far.

“Our old machine was so outdated and worn; this is a big improvement,” she said.