GPL's February Newsletter
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The world of technology is always changing at a fast pace, with so many different tools coming at us supposedly to make our lives easier. Although it can be overwhelming at times, technology can help save you a lot of money, time, and stress, as long as you know how to use it! Think back to the time of no cell phones. Awaiting an important call meant that you’d have to stick by your phone all day. Now you can work, grocery shop or take a class all while waiting for the call. Cell phones themselves have changed in the short number of years they’ve been around...from flip phones that could only exchange audio to mini computers that can do almost anything. This is just one aspect of how technology changes almost as fast as the speed of light!
Here at Greenburgh Public Library, we try to make these changes just a little bit easier for everyone. We offer different services and resources to provide you with the right information to handle any technology. New to apps and eResources? We offer one-on-one, 45 minute technology appointments to learn how to use our electronic resources. If you’re unsure about how to protect yourself on the web, and how to keep your data private, we have different presentations and lectures throughout the year to keep you informed. If you’re interested in staying on top of technology new trends, check in with the “
Keeping Up With Technology
” section of our
Technology page
. Here you’ll find information about new trends in the tech field.
Take a look a look below at all the ways we are working to connect you to new technology that could enhance your life:
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Learn Tech At The Library
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If you need help getting started with any of our digital collections and online learning tools, the library offers one-on-one appointments to help get you set up. Genie Contrata, one of our librarians and technology aficionados, sets aside time every week to help patrons navigate the library’s many digital collections, online learning services, and apps. Patrons come away with new skills and resources, but also with the confidence to expand their tech horizons.
To make an appointment with Genie visit the 2nd floor Information Desk in the adult area, or call Genie directly at 914-721-8232.
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Tech For Teens & Children
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If you have children in your life, you are almost certainly aware of how plugged in and curious the youngest generation is about new technology. We have many great opportunities here at the library for children and teens to try out new devices, programs, and build their own tech in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
The Children’s Library is equipped with two tables of iPads loaded with pre-selected educational apps and games for in-library use, as well as age and topic specific Launchpads that can be checked out. The Children’s Library also hosts coding workshops that teach kids the basics of computer programming. Last fall they coordinated a Scratch Jr Workshop for grades 1-3, where kids could learn to program their own interactive stories. Last summer grades 4-6 were also able to try their hand at creating by coding in Python, with a four week Code Camp. Children’s Librarian JoAnna Rooney says, “We organize kids' coding classes because research shows that learning to code improves creativity and problem solving. It can also improve communication and collaboration, and most importantly it is fun!”
Teen Librarian Liz Anastasi always has creative technology programs happening in Teenburgh too: maker and STEAM workshops; programs on coding and drones; how to design video games; and 3D printing -- there’s always new tech for teens to try out. What better way to spark inspiration, creativity, imagination, and invention? Events featuring different technologies provide a good opportunity for teens to share their passions with fellow teens in our many peer-to-peer workshops. Not to mention the great partnerships with community members and organizations. Look out for the following upcoming tech programs for teens:
3D printing with 3D pens
,
a Physics Day Celebration
, and
coding with Ozobots (robots)
.
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The Library Has Mobile HotSpots!
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What’s a hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a portable device that provides internet access on a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, or portable gaming devices. A mobile hotspot uses wireless technology, is portable and works in areas that do not have broadband. This means that if you are on vacation and need an internet connection other than what is available through your phone, you will be able to connect with a mobile hotspot!
Will the HotSpot work anywhere?
Signal strength will vary based on your physical location and on the physical location of the mobile hotspot. This means that the hotspot may not work in all areas of the world. For example if you are hiking in the Colorado Rockies you will most likely not have a signal. Click
here
to see the map of Sprint network coverage.
How do I get one?
The library has three hotspots available for checkout. The loan period is for two weeks and you must be 18 years or older with a valid GPL card to check one out. Patrons must reserve a hotspot in advance. Reservations can be made through the library’s
museum/hotspot reservation
page. The
library website
has a
Mobile Hotspot Q & A page
for further information and instruction. A librarian can also be reached by phone at
721-8225 to answer additional questions.
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GPL Hours:
Monday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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Tutor.com is a fully online tutoring service. You can get a live tutor in more than
40 subjects
including Math, Science, Social Studies, English, AP support, Foreign Languages and Business. Tutoring sessions take place in the easy-to-use online classroom which runs in your browser
(
a program that you use to view web pages on your computer, i.e. Google Chrome) all from the comfort of your own home
.
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