Libraries Will Get You Through Times Of No Money Better Than Money Will Get You Through Times Of No Libraries!
In these challenging economic times, libraries are one of the best values around. Historically, libraries have seen a significant increase in use during difficult monetary situations and the Livermore Public Library is no exception. Use of library services is up 15%, proving that folks are reaching for their library card instead of their credit card when going out for a book or DVD.
Just a few examples of ways in which library patrons are capitalizing on their local library…
The economy has prompted you to cut back excess spending. Where do you get the latest movies and all the books you want to read for free? The public library.
You don’t have a computer but just lost your job. Where do you go to post your resume or job-search online? The public library!
You can't really afford an expensive night out with friends. Where can you gather for free workshops, seminars, entertainment and discussion groups? The public library.!
Besides all the free stuff, the library can help in tough times by providing resources such as do-it-yourself information, including how to cut home energy costs, freelance, home business and entrepreneur guide books, as well as information on the new green-collar jobs and other green economy opportunities.
In some instances, patrons have given up their Internet service to save money and are using the library's free service. Computers are an integral and important aspect of the library. People come here with their own notebook computers to use the library’s fast wireless connection. The library even offers free classes to teach basic computer skills.
Even just “hanging” in the library can be economical. On these blustery, rainy winter days, the coziness and warmth of the library is a welcome place to sit and read books and magazines patrons no longer need a get on subscription.
Finally, libraries offer wonderful, free experiences for families. Livermore’s day time story times are fun and well attended and the family story times bring parents and children together for an evening or afternoon of storytelling and entertainment.
The library remains one of the best ‘bargains’ in town and during these tough times, more and more people are taking advantage of it.
Free2 Succeed Job Center
In hopes of providing the community with some much needed support in the employment arena, the library has created the Free2 Succeed Job Center. With an increase in both Alameda County’s and Contra Costa County’s unemployment rate and with some of the area’s largest employers hosting layoffs, the community is experiencing a growing need for job assistance services.
Funded by an innovation grant from the Bay Area Library and Information Services network, the Free2 Succeed Job Center offers free one-on-one career advising sessions where patrons can receive assistance with resumes and cover letters, help in completing online applications, interviewing techniques, career assessment, and more. The library is hosting a variety of workshops and programs featuring employment-related topics. For a listing of events, check this website under Free2 Succeed Job Center. For further information about the Free2 Succeed Job Center or to set up an appointment, you can also contact Career Counselor Megan Pittsley at (925) 373-5500 Ext. 5595. Recent events including job fairs, resume workshops and electronic job seeking workshops have been very well attended.
In conjunction with the Free2 Succeed Job Center, the Library is now providing the Vault Online Career Library which provides career information for students and professionals through 71 Vault Career Guidebooks. It also includes over 4,000+ Company Profiles and 50 extended Company Profiles customizable to Livermore. Sample resumes and cover letters, and interview tips and over 1000 Career advice articles are included.
Another new database is the Learning Express Test Database. This database provides preparation for career and academic exams and skills remediation. It offers online practice tests that preview the official exams such as Federal clerical worker, Firefighter, Postal Worker, Real Estate broker, Catholic High School Entrance, AP chemistry as well as self-paced courses for certification exams, placement tests, and academic assessments such as Business Writing, GED, GRE, TOEFL, English Grammar and Math Skills (Spanish) and computer skills tutorials. These valuable databases can be used both in the library and remotely with a Livermore Public Library card. Click on the database notices on the home page.
Friends of the Livermore Library Generosity
Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Livermore Library, the library will has two new pieces of equipment to help make the library experience more enjoyable for our patrons.
A Brightboard Digital Signboard has been installed at the Civic Center Library in the foyer where the mapping kiosk was formerly located. The Brightboard Digital Signage System allows the library to put full color, high resolution images anywhere in the library to promote, advertise and market library programs and services. It currently advertises all of our programs and some of the basic services of the library. The self contained, solid state pedestal unit utilizes a 32” diagonal LCD screen to present messages in bight colors and wide viewing angle for maximum impact. The unit may also be moved around the library to facilitate directions to program locations and to announce special events anywhere in the library.
The Youth Room at the Civic Center Library has a Peek-A-Book Kiosk for kids. This innovative system inspires children to explore the library’s collection of children’s books by offering audio visual presentations that highlight the content of selected books through mini-book reviews. The Peek A Book allows children to watch short book previews and then select the titles they want to take home. The kiosk uses an interactive touchscreen where Billy the Bookworm tells children what part of the screen to touch to activate a preview of a book. The preview entices children to borrow the actual book to learn how the story ends. The Library has purchased multiple copies of the previewed books which are on the Peek A Book Kiosk for borrowing.
Many of the library’s more popular speakers and arts programs are held in the Youth Craft Room in order to accommodate more attendees. The Friends of the Library recently purchased 150 padded folding chairs for this room. This will eliminate the need to rent chairs for these programs and will make set up for the programs much easier.
Help support the Friends by visiting their bookstore at the Civic Center Library where you will find many gently used books for incredibly low prices! A wonderful way to put books on empty bookshelves in your home! Also visit the Friends monthly book sales under the portico of the old library. More bargains are to be found the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 pm.
Livermore Reads Together Again
It’s almost here—the annual Livermore Reads Together celebration! In February, the community will be reading Michael Pollan’s book In Defense of Food. Supported by a generous contribution from the Friends, the month long celebration will be kicked off with a special mini-food festival on Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm at the Civic Center Library. This exciting event will feature food tasting from local food producers, a key note by Christine Wente of Wente Vineyards, wine tasting and winemaker Karl Wente and his Front Porch Band.
During the month of February, a food and agriculture art exhibit will be on display in the Civic Center Art Gallery. Other events include Chef Joey Altman and the Back Burner Blues Band, a family movie night with the feature film Ratatouille, a program featuring cooking with Trader Joe’s, programs on organic and home grown foods, Wii’s “Cookin Mama” game program for adults and a teen chef cook-off. All of the events are listed on the library website and in brochures available at all libraries.
Local book discussion groups are encouraged to select In Defense of Food as their book choice for February. Book club kits, available for check out, include copies of the book, discussion questions and tips for leading book discussions.
Science Chats
In cooperation with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Library will be presenting a series of Science Chats during 2009, the Year of Science. Science Chats are quarterly public discussions with leading scientists on timely topics of interest. The first Science Chat will be Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center Library featuring Dr. John Knezovich. Dr. Knezovich will speak on carbon dating, anthrax and forensic science. He was recently appointed Director of Strategic University Relations at LLNL after serving as Director of the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry for the past 10 years. Science Chats are open to the public. You are encouraged to bring family, friends and an open mind, ready to learn and ask questions at these stimulating discussions.
Science Books
The Library recently received a $5000 community giving gift from the Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS) Community Gift Program. This generous gift has purchased two hundred sixty seven (267) science books, DVD’s and magazines for the library’s children’s collection. Titles purchased were recent publications which were positively reviewed in standard review media or suggested by an Advisory Committee made up of science and education professionals. Subscriptions to three magazines for children were purchased - Click, Ask, and Muse. All are published for children about science, each for a different age group. Each book, magazine and DVD has a bookplate noting that it is a gift of the Lawrence Livermore National Security Foundation, LLC. This project has updated science books for students who use the Livermore Public Library. Particular topics addressed were computers, conservation, energy, water, recycling, general science, natural history, mathematics, geometry, probability, astronomy, physics, mechanics, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, chemistry, earth science, geology, hydrology, meteorology, petrology, paleontology, fossils, genetics, ecology, plants, mammals, human body, applied science and space.
In these challenging economic times, libraries are one of the best values around. Historically, libraries have seen a significant increase in use during difficult monetary situations and the Livermore Public Library is no exception. Use of library services is up 15%, proving that folks are reaching for their library card instead of their credit card when going out for a book or DVD.
Just a few examples of ways in which library patrons are capitalizing on their local library…
The economy has prompted you to cut back excess spending. Where do you get the latest movies and all the books you want to read for free? The public library.
You don’t have a computer but just lost your job. Where do you go to post your resume or job-search online? The public library!
You can't really afford an expensive night out with friends. Where can you gather for free workshops, seminars, entertainment and discussion groups? The public library.!
Besides all the free stuff, the library can help in tough times by providing resources such as do-it-yourself information, including how to cut home energy costs, freelance, home business and entrepreneur guide books, as well as information on the new green-collar jobs and other green economy opportunities.
In some instances, patrons have given up their Internet service to save money and are using the library's free service. Computers are an integral and important aspect of the library. People come here with their own notebook computers to use the library’s fast wireless connection. The library even offers free classes to teach basic computer skills.
Even just “hanging” in the library can be economical. On these blustery, rainy winter days, the coziness and warmth of the library is a welcome place to sit and read books and magazines patrons no longer need a get on subscription.
Finally, libraries offer wonderful, free experiences for families. Livermore’s day time story times are fun and well attended and the family story times bring parents and children together for an evening or afternoon of storytelling and entertainment.
The library remains one of the best ‘bargains’ in town and during these tough times, more and more people are taking advantage of it.
Free2 Succeed Job Center
In hopes of providing the community with some much needed support in the employment arena, the library has created the Free2 Succeed Job Center. With an increase in both Alameda County’s and Contra Costa County’s unemployment rate and with some of the area’s largest employers hosting layoffs, the community is experiencing a growing need for job assistance services.
Funded by an innovation grant from the Bay Area Library and Information Services network, the Free2 Succeed Job Center offers free one-on-one career advising sessions where patrons can receive assistance with resumes and cover letters, help in completing online applications, interviewing techniques, career assessment, and more. The library is hosting a variety of workshops and programs featuring employment-related topics. For a listing of events, check this website under Free2 Succeed Job Center. For further information about the Free2 Succeed Job Center or to set up an appointment, you can also contact Career Counselor Megan Pittsley at (925) 373-5500 Ext. 5595. Recent events including job fairs, resume workshops and electronic job seeking workshops have been very well attended.
In conjunction with the Free2 Succeed Job Center, the Library is now providing the Vault Online Career Library which provides career information for students and professionals through 71 Vault Career Guidebooks. It also includes over 4,000+ Company Profiles and 50 extended Company Profiles customizable to Livermore. Sample resumes and cover letters, and interview tips and over 1000 Career advice articles are included.
Another new database is the Learning Express Test Database. This database provides preparation for career and academic exams and skills remediation. It offers online practice tests that preview the official exams such as Federal clerical worker, Firefighter, Postal Worker, Real Estate broker, Catholic High School Entrance, AP chemistry as well as self-paced courses for certification exams, placement tests, and academic assessments such as Business Writing, GED, GRE, TOEFL, English Grammar and Math Skills (Spanish) and computer skills tutorials. These valuable databases can be used both in the library and remotely with a Livermore Public Library card. Click on the database notices on the home page.
Friends of the Livermore Library Generosity
Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Livermore Library, the library will has two new pieces of equipment to help make the library experience more enjoyable for our patrons.
A Brightboard Digital Signboard has been installed at the Civic Center Library in the foyer where the mapping kiosk was formerly located. The Brightboard Digital Signage System allows the library to put full color, high resolution images anywhere in the library to promote, advertise and market library programs and services. It currently advertises all of our programs and some of the basic services of the library. The self contained, solid state pedestal unit utilizes a 32” diagonal LCD screen to present messages in bight colors and wide viewing angle for maximum impact. The unit may also be moved around the library to facilitate directions to program locations and to announce special events anywhere in the library.
The Youth Room at the Civic Center Library has a Peek-A-Book Kiosk for kids. This innovative system inspires children to explore the library’s collection of children’s books by offering audio visual presentations that highlight the content of selected books through mini-book reviews. The Peek A Book allows children to watch short book previews and then select the titles they want to take home. The kiosk uses an interactive touchscreen where Billy the Bookworm tells children what part of the screen to touch to activate a preview of a book. The preview entices children to borrow the actual book to learn how the story ends. The Library has purchased multiple copies of the previewed books which are on the Peek A Book Kiosk for borrowing.
Many of the library’s more popular speakers and arts programs are held in the Youth Craft Room in order to accommodate more attendees. The Friends of the Library recently purchased 150 padded folding chairs for this room. This will eliminate the need to rent chairs for these programs and will make set up for the programs much easier.
Help support the Friends by visiting their bookstore at the Civic Center Library where you will find many gently used books for incredibly low prices! A wonderful way to put books on empty bookshelves in your home! Also visit the Friends monthly book sales under the portico of the old library. More bargains are to be found the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 pm.
Livermore Reads Together Again
It’s almost here—the annual Livermore Reads Together celebration! In February, the community will be reading Michael Pollan’s book In Defense of Food. Supported by a generous contribution from the Friends, the month long celebration will be kicked off with a special mini-food festival on Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm at the Civic Center Library. This exciting event will feature food tasting from local food producers, a key note by Christine Wente of Wente Vineyards, wine tasting and winemaker Karl Wente and his Front Porch Band.
During the month of February, a food and agriculture art exhibit will be on display in the Civic Center Art Gallery. Other events include Chef Joey Altman and the Back Burner Blues Band, a family movie night with the feature film Ratatouille, a program featuring cooking with Trader Joe’s, programs on organic and home grown foods, Wii’s “Cookin Mama” game program for adults and a teen chef cook-off. All of the events are listed on the library website and in brochures available at all libraries.
Local book discussion groups are encouraged to select In Defense of Food as their book choice for February. Book club kits, available for check out, include copies of the book, discussion questions and tips for leading book discussions.
Science Chats
In cooperation with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Library will be presenting a series of Science Chats during 2009, the Year of Science. Science Chats are quarterly public discussions with leading scientists on timely topics of interest. The first Science Chat will be Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center Library featuring Dr. John Knezovich. Dr. Knezovich will speak on carbon dating, anthrax and forensic science. He was recently appointed Director of Strategic University Relations at LLNL after serving as Director of the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry for the past 10 years. Science Chats are open to the public. You are encouraged to bring family, friends and an open mind, ready to learn and ask questions at these stimulating discussions.
Science Books
The Library recently received a $5000 community giving gift from the Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS) Community Gift Program. This generous gift has purchased two hundred sixty seven (267) science books, DVD’s and magazines for the library’s children’s collection. Titles purchased were recent publications which were positively reviewed in standard review media or suggested by an Advisory Committee made up of science and education professionals. Subscriptions to three magazines for children were purchased - Click, Ask, and Muse. All are published for children about science, each for a different age group. Each book, magazine and DVD has a bookplate noting that it is a gift of the Lawrence Livermore National Security Foundation, LLC. This project has updated science books for students who use the Livermore Public Library. Particular topics addressed were computers, conservation, energy, water, recycling, general science, natural history, mathematics, geometry, probability, astronomy, physics, mechanics, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, chemistry, earth science, geology, hydrology, meteorology, petrology, paleontology, fossils, genetics, ecology, plants, mammals, human body, applied science and space.
