Plug into the Library

“My two favourite things in life are libraries and bicycles. They both move people forward without wasting anything.” – Peter Golkin

Mr. Golkin is a man after my own heart, as bicycles and libraries are also two of my favorite things in life! And the library is definitely a place to help move people forward in so many ways.

Of course there are books to support the journey, as well as movies, magazines, newspapers, and the Library of Things (see my most recent article). However, you can do far more than find reading materials to keep you moving in the right direction.

Sometimes it seems as though the digital world has completely replaced the analog world. You can purchase a car, sign bank documents, share a grocery list, and apply for jobs completely online. However, there are times when you need more than a link or a website, and this is where Wickson is a great resource.

For example, most people I know don’t have a printer in their homes, but they do need to print, copy, scan, or fax documents on occasion. Fortunately, Wickson offers all of these services for small fees. You can drop in whenever the library is open and ask about these services at the circulation desk. And if you have some private documents that you want to dispose of, Wickson also offers shredding. On the third Thursday of each month, you can bring up to one paper grocery bag full of papers to be shredded for free until Wickson’s bin is full. When you are packing your bag, make sure that it is free of paperclips, staples, and anything plastic such as credit cards.

You can also check technology tools out of the library! Wickson has Chromebooks to borrow, which can be a wonderful resource for patrons who do not own a computer at home but need the flexibility of computer access outside of library hours. You can also check out a wi-fi hot spot. Wickson has 20 hot spots to borrow, and, according to Michelle Duclos, Library Director, they are one of the most popular items. Wi-fi hotspots can be great if you are going on vacation and will need access while you are away.

But what if what you really need to move forward in life is help with the technology that you already have? Then Wickson is the place to go! One option is to drop in for Tech @10 on the first Friday of every month at 10:00am. During this time, Turner Tech will have somebody on hand to assist with technology that you need help with, including laptops, phones, email, social media, and more. And if Fridays don’t fit your schedule, you can call the library and reserve 15 minutes with a librarian to get some tech support. Librarians are the best!

Modern libraries are clearly more than just rows of dusty books, which is why they are often also called media centers. They are now spaces that serve all facets of community needs, including offers of technologically related items and services for low or no cost. So, hop on your bike (when it gets warmer, of course!) and head over to Wickson to keep moving forward.