We hope you’re enjoying Pinal County’s new eBook service! Haven’t checked it out yet? Visit the Digital Books page to find out more: bit.ly/pcdigital
The Pinal County Library District also has a few blog posts with tips & tricks on browsing and searching:
We hope everyone is enjoying our new eBook service! As with any computer or tablet applications, 3M is constantly trying to improve the service they offer through the Cloud Library. Over the past month a new Mac app launched, the PC App improved, and updates are coming to the Android and iOS apps! Finally, the 3M Portal Page has been updated with new information – including support videos!
Need ideas for crafts this holiday season? Don’t worry, your local library has loads of resources to help you out!
First, stop by the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center for handmade gift ideas, quilting projects, paper crafts and more. You will find magazines, books, videos and hobby reports on a variety of crafty topics.
To find the perfect project for you, click on a category, do a keyword search or browse popular sources.
Every year we celebrate the Freedom to Read, except this year marks the 30th Anniversary of Banned Books Week. That’s right, three decades of highlighting those books that have been banned, challenged, or restricted in libraries and schools across the country. You can celebrate Banned Books Week by picking up a banned book from your local library. Check out the list below for a sampling of the titles challenged over the past 30 years.
Want to do something more than just revisiting your favorite banned book? Check out the Virtual Read-Out! Don’t know what that is? Well, it’s simple: select a passage from your favorite banned or challenged title and share it in a YouTube video. If you’re camera shy, you can still check out the videos on the BBW Virtual Read-Out YouTube Channel from authors, librarians, readers, and booksellers (like the video below from Arizona-based Bookmans).
More Info:
Banned Books Week – The website includes information on the Virtual Read-Out, Info on Censorship, Social Media Links, and more.Have you considered upgrading your skills to improve your chances of employment in this tough job market? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn a little something about Physics or Philosophy? Or maybe you just want to train your aging brain? But like many of us, the problem is that you don’t have the time or money to go to college – even if there is a college in your community. And once you’ve taken the courses how do you study for an exam if your new vocation requires one?
Well, we have solutions!
The Pinal County Library District subscribes to the Learning Express Library, which has practice tests, exercises, and skill-building courses. We also provide access to the Job & Career Accelerator and Career Cruising – both help you create a resume, build a profile, and explore career options.
Do you need to brush up on a language to expand your career options or are you planning a vacation? Then check out TellMeMore where you can learn Spanish, English (ESL), French, German, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. TellMeMore is an interactive online language-learning tool available through your public library.
Maybe you’re more interested in a variety of topics? Try “Great Courses” – lectures from well-respected professors covering topics like Science and Math or Philosophy and Religion. The courses are available in DVD or CD format and are available from several of our public libraries – simply place a request if it isn’t at your local library.
The Open CourseWare (OCW) consortium is a portal to high quality college and university courses. The courses are free and openly licensed. They are accessible to anyone, anytime via the Internet.
Don’t forget to check your local library’s events calendar for additional learning opportunities.
So whether you want to upgrade your skills, find a job or learn something new just for the heck of it, these resources will help you get started.
Did you read Tina Fey's hilarious memoir, Bossypants, last year? Are you looking for more laughs from female comediennes to help you get through the upcoming hot desert summer? Good news! There are more great reads out now from funny ladies and I'm not talking about just more from Chelsea Handler (though we do love her, too).
National Library Week is April 8th-14th and we’ve got lots of great events planned at Kearny Public Library!
April 9th-12th - Fresh Popped Corn and Cookies Every Day! Plus Sign up for the Drawing for 1 Adult Video & 1 Childs Video
April 10th at 11:00AM – We will have an adult craft time in the Southwest part of the Library
April 11th at 6:00PM – Local Author Joyce Pastina will be speaking about her writing and answering any questions from the audience.
April 12th at 10:00AM – Our regularly scheduled Story Hour will also be a celebration of National Library Week.
