by Emily

April 3-9 is National Library Week, and you bet we’re celebrating! Whether you're visiting in person or virtually, libraries offer the opportunity to connect with new worlds through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. But we’ve noticed that many folks don’t realize the scope of programs and services libraries offer. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve surprised people when I tell them what libraries do (believe me, it’s great party conversation) – so we’re trying to spread that word!

This National Library Week, we’re hosting a workshop that will connect you to all the services the library has to offer both in person and online. Join us on Friday, April 8 to “Connect with Your Library” and learn all there is to know about our (entirely free!) offerings (and then YOU can surprise people at parties!).

Here’s a sneak preview of what you will learn – and these are just six of the many, many, many amazing things you can do at the library (or at home)!

Connect with technology

1. Create a podcast

We have all the equipment you need – microphones, computers, and even a super fancy sound-proof recording booth – to start your own podcast! On Monday, April 4, you can even learn how to podcast with radio and television personality Daisy Cedeño. She’s hosting a class live on Zoom to teach you the basics of this popular media form.

2. Relax or stay fit with virtual reality

Did you know we have virtual reality headsets you can use for free? On Thursday, April 7, attend a special class to see how virtual reality can improve your health with new and fun ways to work out, relax, and meditate. If you can’t make it that day, we have sessions each week for you to freely explore VR in our Digital Studio.

Connect with your world

3. Go on an adventure

Want to try stargazing, fishing, or birdwatching in our beautiful Floridian outdoors? Check out an Adventure Kit from the fourth-floor desk. Kits can be checked out for two weeks at a time and include all the supplies you need to get out there and explore.

4. Read the latest news

Most people know you can check out free ebooks and audiobooks straight to your phones or tablets from the library, but did you know you can also read newspapers and magazines, too? ICYMI, we offer cloudLibrary NewsStand for thousands of magazines at your fingertips, and Newsbank, where you can read The Palm Beach Post (and thousands of other newspapers) each day with just your library card!

Connect with each other

5. Preserve and share memories

You can take those old VHS recordings of Christmas 1994 and convert them into a digital format to preserve and share memories for generations! Borrow a digital converter kit to use at home or visit the media digitization station in the Digital Studio to convert VHS tapes, vinyl records, cassette tapes, photo slides, negatives, photos, and documents.

6. Join the club

Which club, you ask? Well, we’ve got more than a few. Love to read? Join the Friday with the Friends Book Club. Millennial who loves to read? Join Millennials Ruin Book Club. Love to play games? Join our board game club, Meeple Meetup, or one of our virtual Dungeons & Dragons games. Looking to connect with others through healing? We have a Write to Heal workshop as well as a monthly group therapy session. Basically, the library is the perfect place to connect with others.

How will you connect? Find out more about our programs and services by calling us at 561-868-7700. Happy National Library Week!