New gadget? We’ve got you covered

Libraries and technology go together, like libraries and books. Part of our mission as a regional library is to provide an accurate reliable information service and access to materials to support the information, educational, recreational and cultural needs of our community. Nowadays much of that information is located online and only accessible if you have an internet connection and own a computer or mobile device. For many years our libraries have been adapting to meet people’s needs and now in an everchanging world of apps and devices we’ve added a new position to our staff, the Emerging Technologies Assistant, to help library users with all of their technologyrelated needs! As Emerging Technologies Assistant I plan to offer a variety of programs and services to help you get the most out of your technology. Currently, at the New Glasgow Public Library, I am offering one-on-one training on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. If you would like to make a booking for a one-on-one appointment you can do so by calling the New Glasgow Library at 902-752-8233. On Friday, March 15, I will be hosting my first Tea, Talk and Technology program from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. This monthly group session will take place at the New Glasgow Library and focus on technology-related topics in a more social setting where you can learn and discuss with the group. We will also be serving tea and refreshments, and there is no registration required. While the Seniors Technology Trainer, Paul Baron, is leading a weekly (or bimonthly) Silver Surfers program at the Stellarton, Westville, Trenton and River John libraries until the end of April. Silver Surfers is a drop-in program that provides assistance with how to use computers, tablets, gadgets and the internet for adults. For more information on this program and when it will be at a library near you, please visit our online calendar (www.parl. ns.ca) or call your local library. Of course technology is not just for adults, kids love technology too! Over March break we will be adding lots of technology-related programming and have something at each library for the kids in your house. For the full list of great, family fun programs for all ages, please visit the library’s events calendar at www.parl.ns.ca. On Wednesday, March 20, we have SuperNova from Dalhousie University visiting the Westville Library at 10:30 a.m. to offer a special program (space is limited, and registration is required). Please contact the Westville Library to register at 902-3965022. Then SuperNova will be at the New Glasgow Library that afternoon at 1:30 p.m. with Evo, a tiny robot capable of enormous things! On Thursday, March 21, we will be offering a Techie Petting Zoo at the New Glasgow Library at 10 a.m. This drop-in program will allow you to try out some fun, new technology. Our petting zoo will feature Lego Boost, a WiiU, Little Bits, Osmos, Makey Makey and more! For the gamers in your house, we have lots of opportunities to get together with old friends and new to game together in a safe and social space. We will be hosting Wii U and Roblox tournaments at the Pictou, River John, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville libraries throughout the March break week! In New Glasgow we will be offering our regular Gamers Drop-in on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Contact your local library for more information on what is happening over the March break near you! 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.