Friday, May 27, 2011

I Want to Know Everything, Part 2

So this week our focus is keeping up to date with the library through Facebook. There are very few people who are indifferent about Facebook, for most it is a love/hate relationship: you love it or you hate it. Fortunately, no matter how you feel about Facebook you can still read our status updates and always know what is going on.

If you have a Facebook account, you can simply search for Hubbard Public Library by typing it in the search bar just above where you do you status updates. Be sure you have the correct page by looking for our Beyond Books logo. Then just click on "like" and you will receive our status updates. You will also be able to "like" or comment on our posts... and please do! We love feedback!

Don't want a Facebook account but still want access to the information we post on Facebook? Simply follow these steps:
1. Go to www.beyond-books.org
2. Click on the Facebook logo
3. Read the status updates
You can access all the information without having to sign up for Facebook. You won't be able to comment on the posts or "like" a status, but you can still follow our posts.

We hope you enjoy our updates and learning about different ways to keep up with what is happening at the library. And remember, you can always email connect@beyond-books.org with questions or comments.

(next week: Tweet with us ... or just read them)

Friday, May 20, 2011

I want to know everything!

It's true. When the school was closed last week, I wanted to be the first to know so I could tell all of you. When there is a new program that I am interested in, I definitely don't want to find out after it happened. How do you keep up with all that info that is out there without sitting in front of a computer and letting life pass you by?
Over the next few weeks, I will tell you how to get info from the library without having to be tied to your computer. This week, I will tell you about unlimited texting. Next week, I will explain how to view our Facebook posts with or without signing up for Facebook, and after that, will see what news a little birdie can tell you with Twitter.

First, unlimited text. I found out about the school being closed even though my children aren't in this school district through a local news station and their text notification option. I can choose several school districts and they will email me as soon as a delay or cancellation is reported. Unlimited text is a nice feature and can be use to receive Facebook updates, Tweets... you can even be notified that a book you placed on hold is available to be picked up at the library!

So how do you get library information with unlimited text? First, you let us know that you want to change the way you receive your notifications.  Rather than a phone call to say your book is in, a text notification will tell you the title of the book and will text you as soon as it arrives. Remember all those times you spent all afternoon running around doing errands just to come home and get a message that your book is in? Our text notification will let you know you book is in no matter where you happen to be at the time. You can also get your overdue notices by text- I can't tell you how much money that could save me in fines!

The other ways to utilize your unlimited text involve Twitter and Facebook. Both of these social networking tools allow notifications to be sent to you by text. You can sign up for Facebook and receive our posts by text simply by adjusting your settings. Not sure how? Email me at amy@beyond-books and I will help you work it out.

Twitter also has an option that allows you to sign up for text notification. Just "follow" HPLBeyondBooks and change your notifications to text. Email me with questions and I will help you change your settings.

Next week, how to check our Facebook posts without signing up for Facebook (with a quick little reminder on how to "like" us of you are on Facebook.)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Did you know?

  • On Thursdays through the Month of May at 2:30 pm, we have free math tutoring with a major in Math from YSU
  • We have weekly computer classes to assist you in learning more about specific programs and fun social networking tools
  • We offer limited individual sessions with your laptop, ereader, ipad or other device to assist you with any difficulty you may be having
  • Local author Janet DeCesare will be speaking at the library on Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 pm about her book, "Ticked Off" (I'll be here. Are you coming?)
  • We offer monthly delivery of library materials to homebound patrons
  • If you live in the state of Ohio your library card is free
  • You can legally download music from our website with your library card by clicking on the Freegal icon 
  • Our web address is www.beyond-books.org
  • Our Twitter handle is HPLBeyondBooks
  • We are on Facebook and Foursquare
  • Summer Reading will be kicking off soon for children, teens and adults
  • We loan cake pans for all different occasions
  • Our website features databases you can use (some through your home computer, some from a library computer)  for biographical information, small engine repair, car repair information, genealogy, and  more
  • We have free ebook, audio book, music and video downloads available with your library card and we have classes to show you how to use them
We are here for you- this is your library!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tweet today for Teens and Libraries!

Today is National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) and it only takes a minute of your time to make a difference! All you need is Internet access and a Twitter account.

To learn more about other ways can advocate for library services to teens specifically, visit http://tinyurl.com/YAadvocate.  Thank you for all that you do to ensure teens have access to great library services and resources and thank you to YALSA's Legislation Committee for creating this advocacy tool!

   1. Make sure you're logged into your Twitter account
   2. Visit YALSA's Google map of U.S. Senators
   3. Click on the push pin in your state
   4. Click on the "Tweet Me" link
   5. Click on the "Tweet" button (the text of the message has already been created & appears in the text box)
   6. Encourage others to do this by forwarding the link of the map to them, adding the link to your Facebook page, blog or web site, etc.

Monday, May 2, 2011

It's Privacy Week!

How are we celebrating Privacy Week?
  •  A daily privacy tip will be posted on our Facebook page ("Like" us, please) Not a fan of Facebook but still want to read our posts? Just visit our website and click on the Facebook link. You can read the posts that way without having to join Facebook- you just can't post. If you have comment, you can email amy@beyond-books.org and she will share it with the staff.
  •  Distributing wonderful (if I do say so myself) Privacy Week bookmarks. (The catch? Come upstairs and get it... it's how I get to say hi to everyone)
  • Visit our display of titles featuring privacy issues... from blogging and Facebook to Database Nation and Naked Employee... we have everything you need to learn how to protect yourself in social networking, how to watch for what is being done with your private information, and more.
 Come see us!