Public libraries were Wikipedia of these times, not sure if you had one there though? I'm not talking about CS specifically, source of math, physics and other sciences are (were) easier accessible, even small school libraries usually have some extended books on these topics. Of course, it's easier to access information these days, but on the other hand, it has drawbacks too as most of youngsters waste their time on online games, social networks, 9gag etc.
Doubtful that Whittier had much in that department. I was in Cordova (with ~1300 people) and our public library wasn't much. I mostly read old sci-fi novels that my dad's crew would leave behind in the bunks.
