Celebrate National Library Week April 10-16

   Libraries stand as a beacon of knowledge in a community – an unwavering resource to any person who enters the book filled stacks.

   To recognize the library’s importance in the community, Tulsa City-County Library presents “Libraries Transform,” during National Library Week, April 10-16.        

   The weeklong celebration highlights ways libraries can benefit all citizens.  Tulsa City-County Library features more than 1.5-million items to choose from.  Enjoy books and resources for children, tweens, teens and adults.  Customers also can enjoy Wi-Fi, computers, copiers, printers, fax service and business databases.  Ask a librarian about meeting rooms, study areas and other gathering places for individuals, small groups and larger events for non-profits or small businesses.  Library cards are free to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Tulsa County.

   Tulsa City-County Library recently launched two new services, wireless hotspots and online video learning, to expand the educational and entertainment pursuits of library customers.

   In an effort to help bridge the digital divide, wireless hotspots are now available for checkout to library customers.  A wireless hotspot allows a user to connect mobile-enabled devices like laptops, smartphones and tablets to the Internet.  The wireless hotspots can be checked out for 30 days.  Tulsa County has a diverse population spread out over 587 square miles and encompassing a wide variety of socioeconomic communities.  The availability of broadband Internet access also varies widely across the area due to the nature of rural areas and financial limitations.

   Through the Lynda.com service, students and adults can achieve their professional goals with online video learning.   Library customers have free access to more than 3,000 professional courses and more than 150,000 streaming videos presented by industry experts.  Completion certificates for courses can be printed or added to LinkedIn accounts.  Integrating certifications into this popular professional social media platform will help customers demonstrate proficiency to potential employers at a glance.   Examples of courses include: animation, audio, web design, business, marketing, design, computer technology, photography and video as well as Microsoft Office and the Adobe Suite of products.

          Use your library card to access these free services as well:

  • Download Digital Magazines and Newspapers – Read and download digital issues of your favorite magazines for free.
  • Stream Movies – Streaming movies offers thousands of movies and TV shows on demand.
  • Download Music – Download and keep up to five free songs per week.  Choose from over 7-millon songs.
  • Learn a Language – Mango is an online language program that helps you learn by listening to native speakers and engaging in interactive lessons.
  • Get Homework Help Now! – K-12 students and others can connect online to a live tutor for help with their homework.  Homework Help Now! is available seven days a week, 2 -11 p.m.  Writing and skills building also are offered.
  • Find a Job Now! – Get online job assistance from your home, including expert resume help, interview coaching, GED test preparation and career assistance.
  • Download the Mobile App – Download the library’s App to your smartphone, www.tccl.us/App.  Convenience is the key to connecting with a librarian, searching the library catalog, downloading the latest eBook and sharing your insight with other readers.

   National Library Week is observed at libraries across the nation and is sponsored by the American Library Association each April.  The purpose is to remind citizens of the library’s importance and relevance in providing information.

   For more information on National Library Week or other library programming, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s website, www.tulsalibrary.org.

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