GPL's December Newsletter
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A Message to the Greenburgh Community
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In the interest of public and staff safety, the GPL is suspending Browsing, Quiet Study, and Computer Appointments in the Library through the end of the year.
During this time, the Library will continue Curbside Pickup with expanded hours, maintain assistance by phone (for Adult Reference 914-721-8225 & for Youth Reference 914-721-8227) and provide online Chat Reference Services.
The Library staff wishes you all a safe and healthy holiday season!
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And Now, More Than 3,000 Magazines
At Your Fingertips!
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From their beginning, libraries have depended upon technology to connect users with information. The invention of the printing press made books a new technology 350 years ago. For centuries afterward, libraries existed as a places where books could be stored and made available to readers. Then, innovations of the 20th century impacted libraries tremendously. The library became the place in a
community where new technologies were made available to everyone. From film strips and acetate musical recordings to Xerox copy machines and CD-ROM discs, the succession of new technologies available to library users was endless. There is a good chance that the first time you saw something like a copy machine, fax or a desktop computer, it was at a library.
Librarians are always exploring new technologies with one thought in mind – can this make access to library materials easier for our library users? The current abundance of digital platforms for books, audio, video and databases in public libraries makes clear that the answer to that question is usually "Yes!"
Recently we wanted to expand our digital collection of magazines and found a new platform that provides much greater breadth of reading in an easy-to- use format that we think will be very popular. It is called RBdigital Magazines and provides over 3,000 popular magazines in a variety of languages - from popular titles like The New Yorker, National Geographic and The Economist, to niche periodicals like Civil War Times and Gluten Free Living. There is definitely something for everyone!
What we particularly like about this new platform is that once you’ve installed the RBdigital app on your tablet or device, your magazines will download to you automatically when a new edition comes out - just as if you had your own subscription. On certain devices, the magazine can be read aloud to you. Learn more about how to access RBdigital Magazines on our help page.
In addition to RBdigital Magazines, we still have the Flipster platform which provides Consumer Reports and People among other offerings not available elsewhere. For newspapers from around the U.S. and the World, Press Reader is a great way to stay current with the news around the globe. You can find links to all these resources on our eLibrary web page .
Who knows what new technology will be next to appear in your library? Perhaps the answer can be found in one of the many new magazines you will find online with RBdigital Magazines!
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Check out a Chromebook and Hotspot Bundle
The digital divide has only become more glaring in the light of COVID. Community members not having access to online materials and support is one of the main reasons people come and use Library services. Not having our doors open during this pandemic has been hard on those who have no connectivity at home.
Patrons checking out bundles must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Greenburgh library card. The bundle comes with a Chromebook laptop, a Hotspot connection to the internet, and detailed instructions on how to connect to the internet and use the laptop.
Having these devices available, especially for job seekers and those who cannot currently attend telehealth appointments easily, is part of the Library mission to engage our users and provide community connection.
Patrons can easily place a bundle on hold by calling 914-721-8225 and speaking with a staff member. The loan period is two weeks with no renewals and the bundles must be picked up and returned in person through Library Curbside Pick-up at the Greenburgh Public Library.
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Job Searching in the Virtual World
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Job searching, applying and interviewing can be a stressful task on its own. When you factor in only being able to do this virtually, the stress can become overwhelming, especially if navigating the internet is not your forte. Learning how to stand out in a group is hard enough, how do you do this on a computer screen? Here are some tips and tricks on how to make yourself stand out in the virtual world.
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If you’re looking for Jobs and Business Resources, take a look at the Library’s Business and Jobs page where you can find up to date information on a multitude of different resources ranging from databases such to local, state and national resources.
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Teenburgh Virtual Adventures
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With the ongoing pandemic, Discord, a free service, allowing users to text, voice, and video chat online, has never been more popular.
While Discord was already popular with gamers, many of the library's teen services that were previously offered in person are now being run on our Discord Teenburgh server. In order to participate in these programs, all you need to do is create your own free Discord account when registering for one of our teen events on our Events Calendar.
So...if you're missing all the action in physical Teenburgh, our Virtual Teenburgh Server has you covered on Discord!
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Greenburgh Public Library and the Westchester Library System have an expanding selection of digital collections for you to access from your electronic, internet connected devices. These collections include eBooks, eAudiobooks, Comics, Music, Movies, Television Series, and Documentaries, for all ages.
Many of these services have temporarily increased check-out allowances, as people have increasingly needed to access the library virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit our Digital Collections page to discover all of our offerings. Here are a few collections that we recommend to get you started!
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Read current and back issues of popular magazines on your desktop or mobile device. Issues are always available, no holds necessary, no expiration date and borrow as many as you want. A Greenburgh library card is required.
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Patrons of all ages will find something to love in this new collection— from Disney Comics’ beloved stories to Marvel Comics’ blockbusters like Captain Marvel, Spiderman, and X-Men. A Greenburgh library card is required.
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TV mysteries, dramas, and comedies from Britain. A Greenburgh library card is required.
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What is Tech-Talk?
Tech-Talk is a premier collection of articles and videos, written each week by top training experts for busy professionals and aspiring students. It helps people stay up-to-date in using technology and become better communicators in the workplace.
Why should I use Tech-Talk?
- FREE technology training for non-techies of all ages
- A large database of 1,000+ of topics
- Multiple ways to learn - via newsletter, mobile app, or live interactive webinars
- Downloadable content for personal use
Getting Started
- Available for Apple iPhone & iPad
- Available for Android Smartphones & Tablets
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“I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of fantasy and historical novels. This had an interesting mix of both!”
- Christina, Administration
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"This book was extremely engaging. The characters were well conceived, you really wanted to know what was going to happen to them. For fans of realistic fiction and novels with historical relevance."
- Christina, Administration
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An extraordinary romp through the changing community of Red Hook in 1969. The Mets aren't the only miracle that year.
-John, Administration
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When a narcissist leader is also a genius he can change the world, for better and worse. A brilliant account of a remarkable life.
-John, Administration
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Please continue to check the website for updates.
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This newsletter is made possible through the valuable contributions of the entire library staff. Editorial and layout contributions by Kim Stucko, Christa O’Sullivan and Janet Heneghan.
December 2020
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