Archives for technology

Igloo VR Programs (April-May)

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. Igloo Virtual Tour – Venice: Thursday, April 6,
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Categories: Library News.

Opening of Optimum Technology Room

This morning, the Library hosted a ribbon cutting for our new Optimum Technology Room, which uses Igloovision, software that provides an immersive experience. Imagine being in a room in which the walls serve as your computer display, effectively putting you inside a wrap-around 12k television. Or think of a room as a giant walk-in Virtual Reality (VR) headset, except one in which the immersive experience can be shared with one or more others. This is the concept behind the Igloo, an immersive workspace created by Igloovision. Any kind of digital content can be shown on the walls of an Igloo:
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Categories: Director's Corner, Featured, Homepage, and 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.

Learn Something New This Winter

Winter is a great time to explore indoor activities. Winter during a pandemic is an even better time to explore indoor activities. I have curated a list of videos that will help you learn a new hobby or skill. All of these videos are available through the Library’s databases, make sure you have your Library Card ready and know your PIN to access these. There are plenty more videos than what I listed here, take a look through these resources to see what else you can learn – creativebug, Linkedin Learning, and medici.tv. Learning a new hobby or building your
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Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

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.

Summer Events for Teens

Check out the Library’s lineup of programs in July and August for Grades 7-12! Note: Youth-focused virtual programs require a registered Zoom account. Creating an account is free and easy at http://zoom.us/signup. Summer Reading at White Plains Public Library: 6/28 – 8/20 Summer Reading at the Library kicks off Monday, June 28 and runs through Friday, August 20. Reading activity will be logged online with READSquared. More information on Summer Reading at White Plains Public Library can be found here. Grab&Go: Kits Grab&Go: Kits are fun and educational activities to do at home. Kits are available in a variety of
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Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.

Borrow a Laptop

To read this post in Spanish, click here / Para español, haga clic aquí. Do you need internet access or know someone who does? We are now circulating laptop “bundles,” which consist of a laptop and mobile hotspot, each with a power source. The hotspot will allow you to access the internet wherever T-Mobile/Sprint provides 4G LTE cellular coverage. This lending program was made possible through generous donations to and funding by the White Plains Library Foundation. Laptop bundles are available exclusively to White Plains Library cardholders 18 and older in good standing. Bundles may be placed on hold. To
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Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.

January Adult Technology Events

This January we have a wide variety of technology sessions for adults, read on to find out more and to register. If you're looking for a one-on-one training, see our training reservation page here. Virtual Tech Help (Evening) Tuesday, January 12th 6:00-7:30 p.m. 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. Click here to register. Library Resources for Smartphones (Morning Digital Learning) Wednesday, January 13th 10:30-11:15 a.m. Join Digital Media Specialist Austin
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Categories: Library News.

Coding Workshops With The Techno Chix

Starting January 8, 2021, the Techno Chix, a group of young women in the Girl Scouts, will be teaching an 8 session workshop series on computer coding for Middle Grade students in grades 5-8. They will teach 8 one-hour workshops on Fridays, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., in January and February, covering the Python coding language. This is an in-depth course focusing on Python, and by the end of the workshops students will be familiar with Strings, User Input, Arithmetic Equations, Booleans, Loops, If/Else Statements, and Functions. Registration and attendance to all workshops is required. These workshops will be held on Zoom.
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Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

December Coding Programs

The Library will be celebrating The Hour of Code (December 7-13) by offering a variety of coding programs and resources for parents, caregivers, and children. The Hour of Code is observed during Computer Science Education Week, as it honors the life of computer pioneer Admiral Grace Hooper (born on December 9, 1906). We will be conducting programs such as Tech for Parents: Coding Resources, binary coding, and Code Heroes Camp (grades 6-8). Along with these fun virtual activities we will also have a binary bead Grab&Go bag kit (grades 4-8) available to pick up on December 28th. Please feel free
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Categories: Library News.

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.

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.

Weekly Tech Topics

Keeping up with the rapid pace of modern technology is not easy. Luckily, starting Monday nights in January you'll have the chance to learn about the latest digital trends from our Digital Media Specialist, Austin Olney. In these one-hour, weekly sessions, a variety of topics relating to the so-called “Fourth Industrial Revolution” will be broken down. From self-driving cars to bitcoin, join in on learning something new! The January & February schedule of topics are listed below. Registration is recommended; click on the date(s) you wish to attend to register online, or call us at (914) 422-1480. Programs run from
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Categories: Classes, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.

Tech Wednesday for Adults

This post has expired. Look out for Austin Olney's new tech series, Weekly Tech Topics, coming in January 2020 on select Mondays at 6:00 p.m. Austin Olney leads Tech Wednesdays for Adults at 12:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Tech Wednesday is a weekly, hour-long meetup for adults who wish to learn about various digital technologies. Whether it is app design or Virtual Reality, beginners can explore a wealth of different topics relating to the modern digital revolution. Each week, a particular branch of computer technology is presented in the form of a quick workshop to give patrons knowledge about new technical
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Categories: eNewsletter, Events, and Library News.

Check Out a Launchpad!

The Trove announces its latest item for checkout – – The Playaway Launchpad! At a recent family program, families were able to try out and play with these new mobile devices. The Launchpads, purchased from Findaway, are small computer tablets that are pre-loaded with interactive learning apps and games for children. They are durable and come packaged in a bright orange case complete with charger. Tested by children in The Trove, the Launchpads have received great reviews. The current collection is for ages 3 to 5 years and 5 to 7 years. They are now available to check out with
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Categories: Kids and Uncategorized.

Maker Camp 2016

Teens, be part of Maker Camp 2016, a worldwide, online camp sponsored by Make: and Google. We meet every Wednesday starting July 13 at 2:00 p.m. Each week we will be working on a different project and then sharing photos and videos with other campers around the world. This summer's themes are: Things That Go, Mechanical Wonders, Way-out Sound, Sci-fi, Games and Farmstead. No registration, just pop-in for a session.
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Categories: Classes, Technology, and Teens.

Family Tinker Time

Saturday, January 16 from 1:00-3:00 PM We are inviting tinkerers, DIYers, and makers to come and use the equipment in The Edge-Media Lab with your family. This is a self-initiated learning and practice time, NOT a class. Some of the equipment available will be Arduino kits, Wacom tablets, video and audio editing equipment, 3D printers, CNC machine and sewing machines. If you have experience or would like to learn a little about these come in and bring your kids.
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Categories: Events.

Digital Photography Workshop for Seniors

Professional photographer and arts educator Lori Adams will present an 8-week digital photography workshop for seniors. The first session is Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Using their own cameras, participants will learn the fundamentals of composition, and use of light and color to create portraits and still life images. A basic understanding of camera settings and photo editing will also be covered. The workshop will culminate in an exhibit of participants' work. Participation is limited to fifteen students aged 55 and better.  Participants should plan to attend all sessions. Pre-registration is required and can be submitted
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Categories: Classes 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.