This site offers news and discussion mostly about books, with a sprinkling of information on personal technology and digital literacy.
Here’s a link to a short by timely NPR article titled Trying To Keep Your Data Safe? You’re Probably Doing It Wrong written by Aarti Shahani
The article offers solids security tips including offering good reasons why you should always do the software updates on your computers, smartphones and tablets!
Have a great day!
Linda, SSCL
Just in time for the weekend there are new e-books, digital audiobooks and streaming videos available in the STLS Digital Catalog.
And here’s the list!
Digital Audiobooks:
Demelza: A Novel of Cornwall, 1788-1790 by Winston Graham, Clare Corbett
The Last Wish: Witcher Series, Book 1 by Andrzej Sapkowski, Peter Kenny
The Poetry of the Four Seasons by John Keats, Rudyard Kipling, Richard Mitchley, Ghizela Rowe, Copyright Group
Ross Poldark: A Novel of Cornwall, 1783-1787 by Winston Graham, Oliver Hembrough
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
E-Books:
By Cook or by Crook: Five-Ingredient Mystery Series, Book 1 by Maya Corrigan
Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery by Henry Marsh
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance
The Forever War: Forever War Series, Book 1 by Joe Haldeman, John Scalzi
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter
The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw
If You’ve Got It, Haunt It: Haunted Vintage Mystery Series, Book 1 by Rose Pressey
John Jay: Founding Father by Walter Stahr
A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope by Tom Brokaw
Nothing But Shadows: Shadowhunters: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy Series, Book 4 by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan
On the Move by Oliver Sacks
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder: Hannah Swensen Mystery Series, Book 16 by Joanne Fluke
The Road to Character by David Brooks
The Shadow of Elysium by Django Wexler
Sleeping with Strangers: Gideon Series, Book 1 by Eric Jerome Dickey
The Unleashing: Call of Crows Series, Book 1 by Shelly Laurenston
Waking with Enemies: Gideon Series, Book 2 by Eric Jerome Dickey
Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy: Shadowhunters: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy Series, Book 1 by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan
The Whitechapel Fiend: Shadowhunters: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy Series, Book 3 by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson
Why Good People Can’t Get Jobs: The Skills Gap and What Companies Can Do About It by Peter Cappelli
Winter, A Season In Verse by John Keats, Alexander Pope, William Blake, Christina Rossetti, Copyright Group
Streaming Videos:
Black Gunn Starring Jim Brown
Greatest Journeys: France, narrated by Jean LeClerc
The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey, starring Bruce Lyons
Ping Pong Summer, starring Michael Tully, Marcello Conte, Rober Hambury, Susan Sarandon
White Fang to the Rescue, starring Maurizio Merli
About STLS Digital Catalog Titles: These titles can be checked out and accessed a computer or app device – via the OverDrive app.
Visit the STLS Digital Catalog for details.
The STLS Digital Catalog is found at: stls.lib.overdrive.com
And you can also click on this link to take you there:
http://stls.lib.overdrive.com/
The OverDrive app can be found in the Apple, Android and Windows app stores.
Have a great weekend!
Linda, SSCL
Tuesday, July 21, 2015:
Creation Station, The Southeast Steuben County Library’s Makerspace, will be open from 1- 4 p.m.
Pop Artist Michael Albert: Adult & Young Adult Program: Join author and artist Michael Albert for a presentation about his modern pop art and then create your family’s own ‘cerealism’ piece of artwork. Space is limited, so please sign up by calling or stopping by the Children’s Dept. 936-3713 ext. 503.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pop Artist Michael Albert: Family Program: Join author and artist Michael Albert for a presentation about his modern pop art and then create your family’s own ‘cerealism’ piece of artwork. Space is limited, so please sign up by calling or stopping by the Children’s Dept. 936-3713 ext. 503.
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Freegal Music, OverDrive & Zinio: This program walks you through the steps of how to access digital library content. We’ll focus on how you checkout and enjoy E-Books, Digital Audiobooks, Streaming Video, Digital Music & Digital Magazines – all for free!
A library card is required to access digital library materials and if you don’t have one – we’ll sign you up for one during the program.
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Creation Station, The Southeast Steuben County Library’s Makerspace, will be open from 5-8 p.m.
Corning Area Writer’s Group: Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. On the other Thursdays the group meets at Soul Full Cup CoffeeHouse.
For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext. 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 25, 2015:
Firefly Screening and Cosplay: Firefly was a great example of the antiheroes we still love. Join us for a screening of the TWO different pilot episodes that were made and talk about what you loved best about the show.
Come in costume as one of the characters and win a prize!
Start Time: 4:00 p.m.
Available During Each Week:
One-On-One Personal Technology Sessions are available by appointment during the week! You can make an appointment with a member of our Digital Literacy Services staff to learn how to use a new computer, Mac, e-reader, tablet, smartphone or a variety of software including the Microsoft Office Suite and more; at a variety of times throughout each week.
This is a free service the library offers!
To make an appointment call the library at: 607-936-3713
Or send an email to us at: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG
Our Digital Literacy Services department is raffling off two prizes each week in honor of it being the Summer Reading Season, and, in celebration of the opening of the library’s new Makerspace — Creation Station!
You can fill out a raffle ticket, at the Reference Desk, by simply asking a staff member about Creation Station, by attending a Dig Lit program or a One-On-One session.
And if you’re interested in creating items — and that can be anything from crafts, to novels to 3 D printed projects — stop by our Creation Station Tuesdays between 1-4 p.m. and/or Thursdays between 5-8 p.m.
And if you have questions about Creation Station just ask us!
Have a great day!
Linda, SSCL
Tuesday, July 14, 2015:
SSCL’s Makerspace: Creation Station – Open From 1- 4 p.m. To answer the obvious question that some people will have regarding the new Southeast Steuben County Library Makerspace – that being simply “What is a Makerspace?” We’re going to offer a little bit of recent library history!
Public libraries have always been places where people can go to access information, to acquire knowledge, learn new skills and create projects.
With the dawn of the Computer & Internet Age public libraries expanded their offerings to patrons and became places where anyone could go to use computers and the Internet for free; and create computer based projects that they could then share with others across the globe.
And the role of offering patrons access to technology that they can use to learn and create projects has evolved in the last few years to include yet a new role – that of offering patrons designated places within public libraries where they can go to create computer & 3 D Printer projects, audio projects, video projects and even more traditional hands on projects including sewing, knitting, crafting, and scrapbooking projects.
These new creation places within public libraries are known as Makerspaces.
In keeping with the times, the Southeast Steuben County Library has just installed a Makerspace called Creation Station. Creation Station is open from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesdays – come and check it out!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
SSCL’s Makerspace, Creation Station is open from 5-8 p.m. To answer the obvious question that some people will have regarding the library’s Makerspace – that being simply “What is a Makerspace?” We’re going to offer a little bit of recent library history!
Public libraries have always been places where people can go to access information, to acquire knowledge, learn new skills and create projects.
With the dawn of the Computer & Internet Age public libraries expanded their offerings to patrons and became places where anyone could go to use computers and the Internet for free; and create computer based projects that they could then share with others across the globe.
And the role of offering patrons access to technology that they can use to learn and create projects has evolved in the last few years to include yet a new role – that of offering patrons designated places within public libraries where they can go to create computer & 3 D Printer projects, audio projects, video projects and even more traditional hands on projects including sewing, knitting, crafting, and scrapbooking projects.
These new creation places within public libraries are known as Makerspaces.
In keeping with the times, the Southeast Steuben County Library has just installed a Makerspace, which is called the Creation Station.
Creation Station is open on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. – come and check it out!
Heroes & Villains and Other Writing Exercises: Join us for a discussion of writing great heroes and villains, led by Michelle Wells. Whether you’re the hero of your own memoir or you’re writing a comic book, we’ll do some writing exercises to help you develop your characters. Refreshments will be served. A Corning Area Writer’s Group program.
For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext. 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.
Time: 6:00 -8:00 p.m.
Spin a Yarn! Bring in a knitting or crochet project you are working on, get instructions or help or use club materials to make something for a greater good. For more details, call (607)936-3713. All skill levels welcome.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: July 18, 2015
The Throwaways: Screening and Discussion: Film 62 minutes – discussion to follow. The Throwaways explores the devastating impact of police brutality and mass incarceration on the black community through the eyes of activist filmmaker Ira McKinley. This award-winning documentary film speaks directly to the national movement rising up to fight back against a wave of police killings of black people in America.
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Have a great week!
Linda, SSCL
On deck for this week’s special Digital Literacy Services Summer Reading Program Raffle are two more prizes!
The first is the the book Summer’s End by Mary Alice Monroe — a great summer read book & here’s a summary of the plot: In the powerful and heartwarming conclusion to her bestselling Lowcountry Summer trilogy, New York Times author Mary Alice Monroe brings her readers back to the charm and sultry beauty of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, to reveal how the pull of family bonds and true love is as strong and steady as the tides.
It is summer’s end and Sea Breeze, the family’s beloved estate on Sullivan’s Island, must be sold. It is an emotional time of transition as Mamaw and the three sisters each must face loss and find a new place in the world.
Harper, the youngest sister, arrived at Sea Breeze intending to stay only a weekend, but a rift with her wealthy, influential mother left her without direction or a home. During this remarkable summer, free from her mother’s tyranny and with the help of her half sisters, Harper discovered her talents and independent spirit.
But summer is ending, and the fate of Sea Breeze hinges on Harper’s courage to decide the course of her own life. To do so she must release her insecurities and recognize her newfound strengths. She must accept love fully into her life—the love of Mamaw, Carson, and Dora, the love of Sea Breeze and the lowcountry, and most of all, the love of a Wounded Warrior who has claimed her heart.
The third book in Mary Alice Monroe’s trilogy that brims with “stories that touch the mind and heart of her readers” (Huffington Post), The Summer’s End follows three half sisters bound by love for their grandmother and the timeless beauty and traditions of the lowcountry.
And the second prize is the new CD Currency of Man by Jazz singer Melody Gardot; and here’s a brief description of the CD:
International best-selling singer, songwriter and musician, Melody Gardot, is back with her 4th studio album, Currency of Man .The highly-anticipated Currency of Man is an intensely creative milestone, transcending musical distinctions of jazz, blues and R&B, to offer a stirring social and musical statement. On the new album, Melody joins forces again with Grammy Award-winning producer Larry Klein (their last collaboration, 2009 s My One and Only Thrill , sell over 1.5 million copies).
So you can register for two great prizes for week 2 of the Summer Reading Program Season – drop by and check out our Makerspace, Creation Station, Tuesday between 1- 4 p.m. or Thursday between 5-8 p.m. and fill out a raffle ticket!
Have a great day!
Linda, SSCL
Don’t forget to join is this Friday, July 10 for our Monthly Science Fiction Film @ The Library.
This month your Digital Literacy Services host will be showing the 2005 film “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
The film is based on the Douglas Adams books — here’s an overview of the film: Here’s the absolutely hysterical, wonderfully wild, cosmic adventure comedy THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. Based on Douglas Adams’ worldwide best-selling novel, and starring an outrageous intergalactic cast, this is one ride you don’t want to miss. Seconds before Earth is destroyed to make way for a new hyperspace express route, mild-mannered Arthur Dent is whisked into space by his best friend (an alien posing as an out-of-work actor). And so the misadventures begin as he and fellow travelers, including the cool but dim-witted President of the Galaxy, the Earth girl Trillian, and Marvin the paranoid android, search for answers to the mystery of Life, the Universe, and Everything. MPAA Rating: PG. Run Time: 109 minutes.
Refreshments will be provided.
Library doors will be open from 6:45 to 7 p.m. to admit film-goers and the movie starts at 7 p.m. — join us!
Linda, SSCL
Thursday, July 2, 2015
SSCL’s Makerspace, Creation Station, Grand Opening: Hours of Operation: 1-4 & 5-8: To answer the obvious question that some people will have regarding our Makerspace – that being simply “What is a Makerspace?” We’re going to offer a little bit of recent library history!
Public libraries have always been places where people can go to access information, to acquire knowledge, learn new skills and create projects.
With the dawn of the Computer & Internet Age public libraries expanded their offerings to patrons and became places where anyone could go to use computers and the Internet for free; and create computer based projects that they could then share with others across the globe.
And the role of offering patrons access to technology that they can use to learn and create projects has evolved in the last few years to include yet a new role – that of offering patrons designated places within public libraries where they can go to create computer & 3 D Printer projects, audio projects, video projects and even more traditional hands on projects including sewing, knitting, crafting, and scrapbooking projects.
These new creation places within public libraries are known as Makerspaces.
In keeping with the times, the Southeast Steuben County Library has just installed a Makerspace, which is called the Creation Station, and on July 2 it will be open for business.
Corning Area Writer’s Group: Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. On the other Thursdays the group meets at Soul Full Cup CoffeeHouse.
For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext. 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Spin a Yarn! Crochet and Knitting with Shelby and Jenna: Bring in a knitting or crochet project you are working on, get instructions or help or use club materials to make something for a greater good. For more details, call (607)936-3713. All skill levels welcome.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Monday – Friday: One-On-One Sessions: One-On-One personal technology assistance sessions are available at the library at a variety of times through the week by appointment.
If you’ve purchased a new laptop, e-reader, smartphone or tablet and have questions about how to use it – give our Digital Literacy Service staff a call and we’ll set up a time for you to come in and meet with one of our specialist to learn the usage ropes of your device.
And if you have questions about how to use the Internet, how to send email, how to Skype, how to use software including: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, iTunes or Windows Media Player likewise call us to make an appointment today.
One-On-One sessions are available for free! Just contact us in person at the library, by telephone at 607-936-3713 or by sending an email to us at: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG
Time: Appointments are available at a variety of times during library hours of operation. Call the library for the library for additional information.
All library programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library, SSC.
The library will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday July 4 in observance of the 4th of July.
We’ll reopen on Monday, July 6 @ 9 a.m.
Have a great week!
Linda, SSCL
Tuesday, June 23, 2014:
Sticky Notes: a thematic book club: The first theme, for May 26th, will be “Beginnings.” Simply pick a book to read related to that theme in some way, fiction or non-fiction, any genre, then come tell the group about it – what it was about, what you liked, or didn’t like. Then we’ll vote on the next theme! Light refreshments served. For questions, call Michelle Wells at 607 936 3713 x 209 or email wellsm@stls.org
Sticky Notes is held the 4th Tuesday of the month @ 1 pm
3 D Printer Program: Jewelry: This program will include a brief 3 D Printer presentation and then attendees will modify select Jewelry templates from the Makerbot companion website Thingiverse to customize and print bracelets, necklaces & pendants.
Registration is required for this program. To register please call the library at 607-936-3713.
Note: Because the 3 D Printer Process takes a while – attendees will have to pick up their creations at a later date.
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015:
Exploring Excel Workshop: Join guest presenter DJ Dates; Assistant Professor in Computer & Information Science at Corning Community College and learn more about Microsoft Excel! This class will BUILD on the basics of Excel. Attendees will learn how to do Simple Functions, Loan Payment Function and Relative, Absolute & Mixed Cell Referencing. You will also create an Amortization Table and learn how to Link Data across Worksheets & Files!
Registration is required for this program. To register call the library at 607-936-3713.
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, June 25, 2015:
Computer Security & Privacy Workshop: Computer Science expert D. J. Dates will host this program. Workshop attendees will gain insight on how to safely travel around their computer and the Internet. D. J. will also discuss Encryption and Script Blocking!
Registration is required for this program. To register call the library at 607-936-3713.
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Evening Book Talk: Emerging from the Shadows: The Needs of Older Women and The Benefits of Supporting Them by Dr. Ron Hofsess: (TLOW) Trust in the Lives of Older Women- Did you know that women do roughly 2/3 of the work in the world, paid and volunteer, done by people over 60 years of age? And yet, as they age, they lose their support network. What issues do they face and what can we do to help them? Come find out.
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Corning Area Writer’s Group: Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. On the other Thursdays the group meets at Soul Full Cup CoffeeHouse.
For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 27, 2015:
Quarterly Crafting: Choose among the multitude of materials and projects to make something crafty. As always, there will be veggies, pizza and dessert as well as relaxed conversation. Come create with us
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Monday – Friday: One-On-One Sessions: One-On-One personal technology assistance sessions are available at the library at variety of times through the week by appointment.
If you’ve purchased a new laptop, e-reader, smartphone or tablet and have questions about how to use it – give our Digital Literacy Service staff a call and we’ll set up a time for you to come in and meet with one of our specialist to learn the usage ropes of your device.
And if you have questions about how to use the Internet, how to send email, how to Skype, how to use software including: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, iTunes or Windows Media Player likewise call us to make an appointment today.
One-On-One sessions are available for free! Just contact us in person at the library, by telephone at 607-936-3713 or by sending an email to us at: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG
Time: Appointments are available at a variety of times during library hours of operation. Call the library for the library for additional information.
All library programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library, SSC.
