No Place Like Home workshop pick: Learn to ‘Hack’ your public library for even more value
Annika Janzen
Public libraries are wonderful things — and one of the hallmarks of a great civilization. Seriously, I really think that. The idea of using common funds to centralize the dissemination of knowledge — and do it for free for all — is for me the mark of an advanced culture.
So, of course I’m drawn to “Library Hacks With Fresno and Kern Libraries,” one of the workshops on the schedule of Bitwise Industries’ No Place Like Home, the virtual culture fest that runs Saturday, Nov.14. “Library Hacks” will go live at noon.
(Be sure to check out my rundown on the festival, including highlights of musical acts and DJs, in the latest version of TMR Playbook. Tickets are free, but registration is required.)
I asked Annika Janzen, one of the library workshop speakers, a few questions for a preview.
Q: What you do at the library?
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A: I’m a Community Librarian for Fresno County Public Library. I do outreach all over the county, but my focus area is working with kids and families.
Q: Did the library participate in the first No Place Like Home event? Has the library been able to do other digital events like this to get the word out?
A: This is our first time participating in No Place Like Home and we’d love to be a part of any future events. All library programming is virtual right now, so if you’re interested in story times, book talks, poetry writing workshops, or sketch drawing, to name a few, go to our website to view the calendar of events.
Q: Can you give us a sneak preview of your NPLH talk?
A: We’re going to talk about some of the online resources available through the library that people may not know about. We have not only ebooks and audiobooks, but also music and movie streaming services, free to all library card holders.
Q: I LOVE the library at all times, but especially during the pandemic. I’ve been checking out Kindle books like crazy. What else in terms of digital media would you recommend for me?
One of my favorites right now is our movie streaming service Kanopy. It has a really great collection of award-winning films, documentaries, and world cinema.
Q: My other big find recently was being able to use Lynda.com for free, just by signing in with my library card. There are some great online courses you can take. (I keep meaning to spend more time learning PhotoShop.) Do you have another hidden gem to share?
A: There are so many, but here’s one: Fresno County library card holders have unlimited digital access to The New York Times via NYTimes.com or their app. Visit our website to get the access link, then just enter your library card number and create a free account.
6. Anything else you’d like to say?
Fresno County Public Library truly has something for everyone; it’s our passion and our job! Visit our website or call 559-600-READ to access all our resources, sign up for a library card or virtual programs, and ask us any questions you have.
UPDATE: Janzen will be joined by Fahra Daredia, library associate for Kern County Libraries. Daredia answered the same questions:
Q: Did the library participate in the first No Place Like Home event? Has the library been able to do other digital events like this to get the word out?
No this is our first time for No Place Like Home, we have not done any other digital events like this but do tons of virtual programs for our patrons.
Q: Can you give us a sneak preview of your NPLH talk?
A: Sure! Annika and I are going to talk about Library Hacks—resources that some people may not know the libraries have. We will talk about ebooks, audiobooks, job resources, school help, etc.
Q: I LOVE the library at all times, but especially during the pandemic. I’ve been checking out Kindle books like crazy. What else in terms of digital media would you recommend for me?
A: I love Libby by Overdrive and CloudLibrary! You can get ebooks and audiobook on there for free!
Q: My other big find recently was being able to use Lynda.com for free, just by signing in with my library card. Do you have another hidden gem to share?
A: I love Pronunciator. You can learn a new language by signing in with your library card! (https://www.pronunciator.com/)
Q: Anything else you’d like to say?
A: Fresno Libraries and Kern County Libraries have some differences in their e-resources but they do share their physical materials.
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Jackie Ryle
Thank you, Donald. You bring us the full range of possibilities in your own inimitable way that both informs and entertains. I love the way the arts are coming back!