And We're Back!

Our website is back up and running! And boy are we so excited for you to see it! We've still got links to your favorites (online book requests, amazing electronic resources, etc.) PLUS we've added a ton of new stuff: Children's Page, Teen Corner, even a section on Upcoming Events happening at our library.

So grab a cup of coffee and check out the awesomeness! And if you've got time, take our online survey.

E-Zone Awesomeness Right in Your Home

You've heard of E-Zone, right? YOU HAVEN'T?! Well pull up a seat, dear reader, and lemme tell ya all about this fancy new technology! This is VERY cool and totally addicting! O! And you don't even need to leave your house to get it.

E-Zone is a digital media download site where you can browse, check out, and download best selling digital titles 24/7 to your PC and PDA at home, in the office or from anywhere in the world. And we are talking not only books (both audio and print), but music and movies too! Yay! Oh, did I mention...its FREE!

Using the Ocean State Libraries E-Zone is easy! If you need help, there's a quick guided tour. The guide walks you through the basics, from getting started to downloading to burning to a CD. In just a few minutes, even the newest user can be enjoying a downloaded title.

For more information about E-Zone click here or simply talk with to your nearest (and coolest) reference librarian.

Because I Heart Lee Lefever

When you are looking for something on the Internet (and you don't have your trusty librarian sitting beside you) do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there? Do you hit the ENTER key and get a results list that could rival War and Peace?

My computer guru Lee Lefever (remember him?) has put together a great video designed to help you get more from your web searches.

So watch it, then surf the world wide web with confidence!

What Is All This Twittering About?

Here's a fun word that seems to be on everyone's lips these days: Twitter. People are talking (and talking) about Twitter. They discuss how often they Twitter, who's feeds they follow and how they unabashedly love all things Twitter. Oprah Winfrey just dedicated an entire show to it. A lot of people are using Twitter and just as many are wonderin' what it is (I'm with these people).

One of my favorite web gurus who makes everything internet sound so simple is Lee LeFever. He posts these wonderful 3 minute videos that explain everything about anything.

Here's one he made about the phenomena that is Twittering:

It's a Miracle! Computers are Up and Running NOW!

Thanks to our SUPERB staff our computers are back up and running! That's right my dear, wonderful patrons the computers are up TWO days ahead of schedule.

The new printing system is in place and it's working beautifully. So come on down and give it a spin. I'd be happy to walk you through it! In fact I'm looking to my right as I type this and there are a couple of open terminals just waiting for you...

Computers Down Until Thursday

We have some bad news and we have some WONDERFUL news. First the bad news: our computers will be down until Thursday morning. Why you ask? We are updating them because (here's the WONDERFUL news) we are getting a new printing system installed!

WHOO HOO! Viva la technology!!!

The new printing system will allow patrons to pay as they print. That's right! No more running up to the Circulation Desk every time you hit that print button.

Hey there dear reader. Don't let the lack of computer-use keep you away from the library. Feel free to come in and I'll find you some great books in the meantime!

Helping Little People Learn Computers

Recently a friend introduced me to a wonderful resource for kids and I want to share it with you. It's called ZAC Browser.

ZAC (the letters stands for Zone for Autistic Children) "is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders."

ZAC is a browser that allows children to interact directly (and safely!) with games (a LOT of games) and activities (focused on MANY interests). The links cater specifically to kids with impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. The icons are big and colorful, thus kids can navigate the site easily.

While ZAC is geared towards children with autism, it is also a wonderful tool for toddlers and children with delayed speech issues. (My 2-year-old son LOVES it!)

Want to learn more about ZAC browser? Blast Magazine wrote a great article about the history of this browser.

ZAC brower is free, so check it out!

AskRI is HERE!

Governor Donald L. Carcieri joined Rhode Island leaders of the Office of Library and Information Services and the Statewide Reference Resource Center at Providence Public Library (PPL) at the PPLs Central Library to announce the launch of AskRI -- a newly enhanced online resource for all Rhode Islanders.

AskRI includes features such as "Homework Help RI", "World Book Web", EBSCOHost and "Heritage Quest" as well as many more resources!

Fun Stuff for Little Ones on the Internet

Kid Space: KidSpace has lots of sites that are just plain fun (and kid safe)!

PBS Kids: A safe place for kids to explore and play hundreds of fun educational games with their favorite PBS KIDS characters.

Kid Sites: A guide to the best in web sites for kids.

National Geographics Kids: Features different people, animals, and places each month with facts, games, activities, and related links.

Kids Know It Network: Children's Learning Activities. Kids Learning Websites. Making education fun and free. Free educational Websites For the young, and the young at heart!

Computer Help!

Is your PC being a pest? Does your Dell making you dizzy? Are you about to attack your Mac? Don't dispair!

ComputerHope.com is a collection of free services that allows users to access a database of extensive computer related information. The company offers free technical support, computer product information, free online forums, computer product buying tips, third-party computer company information, driver listing, computer dictionary, news, and a weekly computer newsletter.

So make that PC, Mac or Dell work for you!

Social Bookmarking Anyone?

You've probably heard the term "social bookmarking" before. But do you know what it is? This 3 minute video by the AMAZING Lee LeFever explains it all for you!