TALES FROM THE FRONT.

This section presents news briefs on issues and events related to public libraries in the U.S. as of September 2004. Providing U.S. Passport Acceptance Service has proven to be a very successful and positive program for both the public and the Mission Viejo Library, California. Since 1999, the Mission Viejo Library has been an official U.S. Passport Acceptance Service site where citizens can apply for and/or renew their passports, and, now, they can have their passport photos taken at the library as well. The Friends and Foundation of the Mission Viejo Library purchased a digital camera and printer, designed especially for taking and developing passport photos. Volunteers are trained to take the passport photos, and the library charges ten dollars for ten pictures. On the other news, a digital library launched by San José Public Library in California is giving Silicon Valley residents access to popular eBooks directly from their home or office. The site features an extensive collection of best-selling eBooks from popular authors and leading publishers. Meanwhile, the Old Tappan Public Library, New Jersey, is in the process of raising $1.3 million for a library renovation and expansion. The library is need of expansion due to the increase in population and resultant high facility usage.