Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots
The library now loan mobile cellular hotspots! The hotspot which is about the size of a deck of cards, connects to the Internet via a cellular data connection. The hotspot will enable up to ten smart phones, tablets, computers, etc. to connect through it to the Internet via wifi. Patrons will be able to check these out for free for up to a week and take them home, to the park, or wherever they need an Internet connection. Laptops will be available for loan outside the library as well. Read, Learn, and really Connect, at your library and now at home.
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One to One
Computer Assistance
Computer Assistance will begin August 1st for 1-on-1 scheduled appointments. Monday's will be computer Resume Help: come prepared with your work, school, and references information and we will help you create, amend, or repair your digital resume.
Tuesday's help is available for using Excel (spreadsheets) or Power Point (presentations). Wednesday is for help with using Word (word processing), and Thursday's will be help with either using and searching the internet or downloading and using your E-Reader.
Each session is 45 minutes long starting at 10, 11 or 12. Call Gloria Barnes at (252) 442-1951 ext. 256 to schedule your one-on-one today.
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Maker Kits To Go
Teens, if you are looking for a hands-on activity, come to the library and checkout the new maker kits in the teen services area. Librarian, Scott Houston has assembled a number of kits, each
featuring a specific activity. Some of the offerings include paper art quilling, LED light projects, spiral art, Stanley tools, Sketch Wizard, and badge making.
Kits are preassembled and come with everything you need to get started. The checkout period is two weeks. You can also check out a book to learn more about the activity or see what others are doing on YouTube and Pinterest. Explore your interests. Check one out, make something, have fun, bring it back. Easy!
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From the Director
In today's 21st century digital economy, libraries play a critical role in providing access to highspeed internet and training to help more Americans compete in today's workforce. Americans use libraries to connect to the Internet to find jobs, improve education, access government services and create business opportunities. DigitalLiteracy.gov
Imagine if you did not have access to the internet or a computer, and lacked the skills to navigate online. Digital literacy has become just as important to success in life as the ability to read and write. Without it, you are shut off from information and opportunity.
Braswell Library is the bridge in our community that connects those without access to the online world. In an average month, 5200 internet sessions are logged on the library's computers. The servers log an additional 5000 WiFi sessions of library users accessing the internet with their personal mobile devices. The library provides a welcoming space,
no usage fees, and friendly staff members that will assist you if you need help.
Digital literacy is an important component of workforce development. Library access to internet resources can be the hand up that an individual needs to get a start in education or employment.
Catie Roche,
Library Director
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Mrs. "A" Library Champion!

Friday mornings are especially busy in Youth Services. That is when Mrs. "A" brings her group of children to the library to check out books. Mrs. "A" is actually Mrs. Anderson and on July 8, 2016 she was with a group of 32 children and three adults from Englewood Afterschool Childcare.
Mrs. "A" has been bring-ing children in her care to the library for 37 years and she has perfected the art of the library visit. Each child is able to pursue his or her own interest selecting books. When the group comes in, they file by the return bin and everyone drops in last week's books for check in. Next it's over to the computers to search for a specific item or off to the shelves to browse. Once selections are made, children gather and wait to check out with the group. Mrs. "A" has all their cards in a zipper bag and, before long, each person has checked out and is ready for another week of reading.
"I've always loved to read for as long as I've been able to, and even before when my parents read to me," Mrs. "A" reports. "I bring my group to the library because I think that children need that extra boost. I always read to my own children. Those that are read too are more appreciative of reading and the library."
Braswell Library is glad to have such a loyal patron and we welcome groups of children to visit. Please call Youth Services manager, Jennifer Stearns, for more information. 252-442-1951 ext. 233.
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Discover Space: A Cosmic Journey
Braswell Memorial Library is one of eight libraries in the United States selected to host, Discover Space: A Cosmic Journey, a national traveling exhibition exploring the fascinating world of space science and astronomy. Discover Space covers topics such as the search for habitable worlds beyond our Solar System, asteroids and comets, Mars exploration and solar storms and their impacts on Earth
Discover Space will be displayed at the library from November 1, 2016 until February 8, 2017. Braswell Library is also planning a series of space related programming throughout the exhibition period. The exhibit and all programming will be free and open to the public.
The exhibition was developed by the Space Science Institute's National Center for Interactive Learning, in partnership with the American Library Association's Public Programs Office, the Lunar and Planetary Institute, and the Afterschool Alliance. This project was made possible through support from the National Science Foundation.
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Summer Feeding + Summer Reading!
The Youth Services Department is collaborating this summer with the Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC) to add a summer learning component to their Summer Feeding Programs. During the summer months DEPC works with community groups to provide hot healthy lunches to children ages 0-18. Lunches are vitally important for growing bodies, but it's also important to feed growing minds.
Library Associate, Sharnette Evans visits five locations each week. She presents a story accompanied by a related game or activity. Adding storytime promotes social skills, critical thinking, and active listening. In addition, playing a game or activity increases children's motor skills, interactive skills, noncognitive skills, and problem solving skills.
When school is out the summer learning slide begins. Braswell Library is happy to be able to add this outreach to our Summer Reading program! |
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Authors in August
On August 13th Braswell Library will host the third annual celebration of Authors in August. The library is proud to introduce local authors to our community by inviting them to present their books and provide copies that are available for purchase.
This year the event will take place on both floors of the library. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the computer lab, Shonte Monroe will start us off with some personal motivation with her book "Life is Challenging: But Hang In There". She is followed at 11:00 a.m. by Karen Suffern, author of "From the Inside Out". At 12:00p.m. Dr. Tiffany Tyson will discuss "Urban Princess: The Power of Choice".
At 1:00p.m. the program moves downstairs to the Warner room where Otto Brinkley will discuss his book "Food for Thought: It Works for Me!". He will be followed at 2:00p.m. by Bishop Van Sharpe dis-cussing a "Spiritual Upgrade". At 3:00p.m. Lynette Britt continues the spiritual discussion with her book "God Gave a Gift in the form of a dream: Don't let it Die". Our final speaker, Annie Barlow Deberry, starts at 4:00p.m. discussing "Thoughts from the Heart".
Visit with the authors, purchase books, and have copies signed upstairs in the Study Rooms from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. or downstairs in the Wiley Room from 1p.m. to 5 p.m.
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