Focus on Tech: what your public library can do for you
Geese have migrated, snow has fallen, and the library has transitioned to more modern technologies. Take a look at what a library card has to offer. Then come in, or give us a call. We’re here to help, and open to your new and innovative questions!
- Gadgets upgraded for checkout: With a library card, you can take home laptops, Chromebooks, InFocus projector, and more.
- Teleconferencing help: Before purchasing Zoom access of your own, call Meg about using the Library’s Zoom Pro account for your next meeting. Great option for non-profits, book clubs, yoga meet-ups and more. Members have also checked out our portable screen, projector, and teleconferencing camera.
- Active learning: a new partnership with Apple On-Ramp has trained Programming librarians Bre and Casey to better engage students of any age learning to code and create art on a brand new set of iPads. We see this shaping our After School Program and expect it to help our customers continue to learn about emerging software and technologies.
- Wireless printing: no library card required. Print directly from your device anytime during open hours.
- New expanded 24/7 Wi-Fi: Thanks to a grant from the Idaho Commission for Libraries, our Wi-Fi is now even more powerful! Available 24/7, both in and outside of the building.
- TutorMobile goes modern with Hot Spot: although we’re taking a break from tutoring while Idaho is in Stage 2, the TutorMobile is ready with mobile hotspot for accessing homework assignments, checking out library books, and communicating with teachers direct from local neighborhoods. Need to borrow a hotspot? Ask Casey cbruck@mccall.id.us
- KITS make holiday time in the home more fun: COVID means we can’t get out to all those busy holiday parties this year, but many families are using the library for injecting a little excitement into the winter days at home. Try our Makey Makey set, Karaoke machine, Stargazing Kit, giant Checkers Game, or the Sewing Machine.
- Glasses fogging up? Missing a board game piece? Ask Casey about ways you can use our 3D printer to innovate against all kinds of challenges!
- Digital Collections: Improvements just keep coming to OverDrive’s Libby App. Thousands of new titles, and so easy with Libby, free wherever you get your apps. Coming soon: partnerships statewide and with the McCall Donnelly School District. Your library card will unlock all that and more, from the comfort and safety of your own home. Librarians are available to help you get started via teleconference or in person from 6 feet apart.
Here’s wishing a happy retirement to Ed Hershberger! Ed served on the Board of Trustees at McCall Public Library for 21 years. He is, according to another Trustee, ʺAlways stellar. He is our dependable support system and a trustworthy voice of reason.ʺ
Click HERE to read the article and find out his grandchildren's favorite spot in McCall.
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The Tutor-Mobile has been making weekly stops throughout McCall's largest neighborhoods for a couple months now, and has served over 80 children! Unfortunately we have stopped running the Tutor-Mobile while we are in Stage II, and are currently making new out reach plans that are safer pandemic-proof alternatives. If you are interested in volunteering, give Amanda a call at 208-634-1152 or click HERE |
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For more info and to register go HERE
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Next to our book return box you will find the special letters to Santa mailbox! Drop your letters to Santa off here by December 15th and your letters will be answered. Click HERE for more information. |
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What a fun series of outdoor book talks! Thank you Scholars: Karla Miller, Rene Silvus, Helen Lojek, and Susie Reddick, and all who participated.
Keep an eye out this Spring for more Let's Walk About It sessions!
We introduced Brag Tags back in August to easily reward kids who have read certain classic children's books.
Several kids took these Brag Tags as a serious challenge and made it their mission to read and thus collect as many Brag Tags as possible.
So far, Kyrie Bean is the first kid to get through all 49 books! Good work Kyrie!
Kyrie Bean
New Book Releases!
New Children's Books (thanks to Friends of the Library)
You wouldn't want to be Cleopatra!: an Egyptian ruler you'd rather not be by Jim Pipe
KIT: Build Shapes and Structures
An Elephant & Piggie biggie! – Volume 3
New Young Adult Books:
Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir
New Adult Books:
Ten lessons for a post-pandemic world by Fareed Zakaria
Memorial by Bryan Washington
Is this anything? by Jerry Seinfeld
Troubles in Paradise: #3 Paradise series by Elin Hilderbrand
EBOOKS:
OverDrive eBook Tithe: The Modern Faerie Tales Series, Book 1 by Holly Black
OverDrive eBook Truly, Madly, Deeply: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury,
OverDrive eBook The Answer Is: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
OverDrive eAudiobook Transcendent Kingdom: A Novel by Yaa Gyasi
Hey readers… What books did you love in 2020? Final Round of Voting for Best Books of the Year ends in 10 days! We’ll announce the winners in our next newsletter.
https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2020
