Libraries and technology
Building confidence and knowledge one step at a time
For those who are confident with reading and comfortable with picking out a book to borrow, they often turn to the library. But for those who want to learn more about technology and how it can make a difference in people’s lives, where do they turn? It seems like more and more people are turning to the library for that as well!
Along with our full-time staff, we also have a few new faces at the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library (PARL) this winter to provide some technology-related programming and some one-on-one mentoring too!
Alex MacNeil
Alex is the eLibrary Facilitator for PARL this winter, helping with various programs. Some include the 19th Century Crime & Detective Fiction course being streamed weekly on Thursdays at 1 p.m. through SMU Continuing Education in the Pictou Library (until the end of March), and the monthly Silver Surfers Computer Club that meets in the Westville Library. He will also be leading a two-part series called Hello World! Coding and Game Design at various locations aimed for those ages 11 and up, and an evening series related to Music and Technology at the New Glasgow Library in March. A former music student at Bishop’s University, Alexander has been pursuing a music career throughout Canada and abroad.
Lauren Madore
Lauren is our new Technology Trainer for the Pictou County area. She will be here this winter providing one-on-one training sessions to help patrons with basic technology skills including using tablets, smartphones, and eReaders. She is a recent graduate of the Electronic Engineering Technician program from the NSCC in Stellarton.
Lauren is based out of the New Glasgow library, but will be traveling around Pictou County on an as-needed basis. If you’re struggling with technology and interested in a free training session, call the New Glasgow Library location (902) 752-8233 or get in touch with your local library to book an appointment.
Alex Landry
Alex will be our Computer Service Technician this winter! Alex is happy to step into his new role and will be assisting with repairs and maintaining library equipment for public use, along with routine maintenance for some of the community websites we host through PARL. He is a recent graduate from Dalhousie University’s Mechanical Engineering program, with a long-term goal of earning his Professional Engineering designation.
Brooke MacKenzie
Brooke will be the Community Technology Outreach Intern for The Peoples’ Place: Antigonish Town and County Library this winter! She will be eagerly on location Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment or register for one of her programs, call the Antigonish Library at (902-8634276).
For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, please drop by your local library branch, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, or visit us online at www.parl.ns.ca.