Posts by Austin, Digital Media Specialist

Igloo Virtual Experiences

Attention all patrons! Get ready for a journey like no other as the Library invites you to explore new and exciting virtual experiences with our newly installed panoramic video room, the “Optimum Technology Room,” which uses technology installed by Igloo Vision. Thanks to the support of Optimum and the White Plains Library Foundation, we are now able to bring you 360 virtual reality content without the need for a headset. You'll be able to experience 360 videos, interactive immersive apps, 360 slideshows and more, all projected onto three walls in the room. Join us on Tuesday, February 7th at 12:15
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Categories: Library News.

New Tech Services

Here are our latest tech training appointments you can schedule with Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney. Tech Help (Advanced) For patrons who need one-on-one advanced tech help, in person. If you have a technical issue with a particular computer device, whether it is a laptop, smartphone or tablet, there is a service at the library to help. Patrons are now able to book one-on-one help, in person, with Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney. Get help troubleshooting various hardware and software issues, such as not being able to sign in to a website or transferring photos from one device to the
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Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

May Technology Events

For Adults & Parents Individual Tech Help Wednesday, May 11th, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Click here to register. Tuesday, May 17th, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Click here to register. Need help with a general computer issue or have questions about a particular piece of technology? Ask Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney in this VIRTUAL assistance program. Whether a beginner or advanced user, all are welcome. Digital Library Resources Wednesday, May 18th, 10:30–11:00 a.m. Click here to register. Join Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney and learn about popular online library resources. Beginners are encouraged, all are welcome. Zoom Tips and Tricks Wednesday, May 25th, 2:00–2:30
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Categories: Library News.

Fall STEM Programs for Kids & Teens

Minecraft for Teens In this session, youth are invited to play Minecraft together online in a safe, learning environment. Activities will include working together to survive in a randomly generated world and/or building things collectively in creative mode. All are welcome to partake in some fun with library friends and Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney. Participants must own Minecraft (non-java) on either Windows 10, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, or Oculus Rift to join a private server. Email aolney@whiteplainslibrary.org for questions and help. 9/7/2021 Tuesday 4:00-4:45 p.m. 10/5/2021 Tuesday 4:00-4:45 p.m. Fortnite with Friends Ready for some
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Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

Virtual Chess Club

During the past few months, the Library has launched a group for all youth interested in the game of chess. It is a chance for children and teens, stuck at home, to play the game they love and also an opportunity to learn strategy and discuss tactics. With the Lichess platform, available on smartphones and computers, participants can play matches with one another and participate in group challenges. Players of all levels are welcome to join in on the fun! Join the Library Chess Club by attending any of the following sessions: Thursday 10/22/2020 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Register
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Categories: Library News.

Virtual Youth Meet-Up

Would you like to connect with Library friends virtually? Using our Zoom and Roblox platforms, teens are able to participate in a variety of fun activities on Library-hosted servers. Many devices are able to interact simultaneously, from smartphones to laptop computers. There are many fun virtual worlds to have shared fun, such as “Epic Mini Games” and “Hide and Seek Extreme.” Please sign up here to join in on the fun: Thursday 10/15/2020 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Register Here Thursday 11/5/2020 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Register Here Thursday 11/19/2020 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Register Here Thursday 12/17/2020
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Categories: Library News.

Offline Technology Projects: Ideas for Parents

How to Create a Phenakistoscope How to Make a High-Quality Flip Book How to Make a Holographic Illusion Pyramid Code a Lego Maze DIY Cipher Device DIY Chess Set DIY Maze for Kids to Make How to Make a 3D Topographic Map How to Make Collage Art Using Magazine Clippings Ultimate Beginner’s Perler Bead Guide Easy Graph Paper Art for Kids The 8-step guide to creating and publishing your own comic book How to Make a Storyboard for Film Printable PDF Version: Offline Technology Projects Ideas for Parents GRAPHIC DESIGN How to Make Collage Art Using Magazine Clippings
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Categories: COVID-19, Homepage, Kids, Library News, Technology, and Teens.

Tech Tips for Parents

“Tech Tips for Parents” is a weekly, digitally-streamed series where Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney will give relevant tips and knowledge for incorporating technology at home. To register, click the relevant link for the event you wish to attend. Tech Tips for Parents: Offline Technology Ideas Tuesday, April 28 4:30 – 5:15pm This week, a variety of “offline” activities will be discussed that do not require digital technology, but nonetheless teach core concepts within the related field. A Q&A will follow. Register in advance here.
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Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.

Offline Tech Activities

Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney put together this list of fun and education offline tech activities. If you're looking to learn more online, check our virtual calendar for a schedule of tech programs that Austin will be leading throughout April. ANIMATION DESIGN How to Create a Phenakistoscope How to Make a High-Quality Flip Book AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) How to Make a Holographic Illusion Pyramid CODING Code a Lego Maze GAME DESIGN DIY Maze for Kids to Make How to Make a 3D Topographic Map GRAPHIC DESIGN How to Make Collage Art Using Magazine Clippings HACKING DIY Cipher Device LOGICAL THINKING
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Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, Technology, and Teens.

Talkin’ Tech: Modern Multilinguals

Let’s talk about technology. Since the invention of the wheel, tools have become more and more complex – and today it can be hard to keep up! In the “Talkin' Tech” column, we will discuss the ever-changing trends in the modern digital arena. From artificial intelligence to Zuckerberg, join Austin in examining all things tech from our vantage point in the 4th industrial revolution: the imagination age! Have you ever wanted to try your hand at coding? Coding, or computer programming, is the way we talk to computers and tell them what to do. It is like learning a second
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Categories: eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

Talkin’ Tech: Microchips Ahoy!

Let’s talk about technology. Since the invention of the wheel, tools have become more and more complex – and today it can be hard to keep up! In the “Talkin' Tech” column, we will discuss the ever-changing trends in the modern digital arena. From artificial intelligence to Zuckerberg, join Austin in examining all things tech from our vantage point in the 4th industrial revolution: the imagination age!     A computer can only understand two things: “on” and “off.” It’s called binary, and it is the basis for all things digital. As the Digital Media Specialist at the library, it
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Categories: Evergreen, Kids, and Library News.

“Intro to Video Editing: How to Create Films”

Adult learners will have the chance to edit clips and create his or her own segment using the Lightworks™ Software Application on Tuesday, April 26th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Edge Media Lab. Video editing is fun and available for free on most computers.   Equipment is provided; Registration is required.
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Categories: Classes, Technology, and Uncategorized.

Photo Editing Workshop

This post has expired, for the most up-to-date technology programs, view our schedule here. Want to know how to “photoshop” an image? In the Photo Editing Workshop on Tuesday, December 8th from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., patrons will learn how to manipulate photos using GIMP, a free 2D graphics editor for PC, Mac, and Linux. Similar to Photoshop, GIMP allows users to tweak images for a desired result. Registration required; equipment is provided. Held in the Edge Media Lab.  
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Categories: Classes and Events.

ReferenceUSA at the White Plains Public Library

Have you heard about ReferenceUSA? Your White Plains Library Card allows you to access this full-service platform. Job seekers, entrepreneurs, students and continuing education students have use for this valuable service. ReferenceUSA offers a wide range of database products, available in print, CD-ROM or via the Internet. These products include State Business-to-Business Marketing Directories, The American Big Businesses Directory and CD-ROM, The American Manufacturers Directory and CD-ROM, The American Business Disc, and Powerfinder. https://whiteplainslibrary.org/resources/ This is a video specifically made for White Plains Public Library patrons: ReferenceUSA at the White Plains Public Library
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Categories: Featured, Homepage, Technology, and Uncategorized.

3D Print Your Design for Free!

The Library offers community access to new and emerging technologies such as 3D printers to inspire a new interest in design and help the community to bring their creations to life. Bring in your file (preferably in .stl or .obj format) to be printed using the library’s Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer. Click here to make an appointment. *The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
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Categories: Classes, Homepage, Library News, and Technology.

3D Printing and Design

Come and learn about 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) with TinkerCAD on May 9, 2015 at 1:15 p.m. in the Edge Media Lab. Participants will have the chance to design an original object and print it out in physical form via the library’s MakerBot Replicator 2 (3D Printer). There is a limit of 6 participants and registration is required.
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Categories: Events, Library News, and Technology.

LAN Party in The Edge

Teens, join our Local Area Network (LAN) party in The Edge Media Lab on Thursday, April 2 from 4:00-5:00 p.m., where we will enter an online server and play in a virtual environment. There are many free-to-play games out there that anyone can enjoy. Creation of a free account may be required. No registration is necessary and equipment is provided.  
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Categories: Events, Homepage, Library News, and Technology.

Create an App with MATLAB

Thursday, February 5 at noon Created by Mathworks, MATLAB® is a high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation, visualization, and programming. It is mainly a tool for engineers, but it offers a multitude of computation possibilities. This class will provide design instruction within a Graphic User Interface (GUI) and computer programming using the MATLAB coding language. Come and learn how to create a basic computer application! All equipment and software is provided. Please register for this program on our online event calendar.
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Categories: Classes, Events, Library News, and Technology.

Build a High-Powered PC

Building a computer from parts is much cheaper than buying one readily assembled. At the “Build a High-Powered PC” series of courses, every Tuesday in October at 4:00 p.m. in The Edge, teens will be able to assist in the building of a modern gaming rig. Instruction about microprocessors, RAM, motherboards, power supplies, hard drives, and graphics cards will be taught throughout. If teens wish to build a computer on their own, methods of selecting and purchasing compatible computer parts online will be shown as well. Registration is not required and all equipment is provided.
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Categories: Classes, Events, Featured, Homepage, Library News, and Technology.