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Nooks, iPads, Skype and Hebrew?
Published 10:05am Monday, October 24, 2011It’s official, the days are getting shorter, there’s a chill in the air and pumpkins on every doorstep, the holiday season is upon us. eReader sales were big business last December and estimates suggest that sales this season will double last year’s numbers.
Are you still on the fence about whether or not an eReader is for you? Or maybe you’re considering purchasing an eReader for a family member or friend, but want to “shop” around first?
Well, I have a solution for you.
The Library will be offering its first ever “Gadget Petting Zoo” on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Stop by the Library’s Jean Dahling meeting room for a chance to test run a Barnes and Noble Nook and Color Nook, a Sony Pocket eReader, and an iPad.
Maybe you’ll find a device that’s right for you or decide paper is still the best way to go; either way, the library has books for you.
Speaking of all things tech, I wanted to take a moment to share a Skype story with you this week. For the past three weeks, we have had a group of students and their families meeting at the library to engage in a unique teaching experience involving Skype and Hebrew.
It all started when a woman approached me about the possibility of skyping in a gentleman from Marshall to teach Hebrew classes to her children and other homeschooled youth.
The family knew the gentleman and had been taking informal classes from him prior to moving to the Fergus Falls area, but with the advent of technology like Skype, they wondered if they truly needed to leave their beloved teacher behind.
Cue the library. Now the group meets once a week for one hour in the library meeting room for Hebrew classes via Skype.
Each week the students learn one to two new Hebrew letters and come one step closer to learning an ancient language using 21st century technology.
Finally, did you know that it is “Friend Your Library Week?”
The Friends of the Fergus Falls Public Library provide support and encouragement for the library, check out their web page on the library website (http:// www.fergusfalls.lib.mn.us/friends.php) or attend a Friends of the Library meeting to learn more.
The October meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. at the library. You can join the Friends for as little as $10 and support your library.
Another great way to Friend the library and stay up-to-date on library going-ons is by joining us on facebook. See you at the Library.
Erin Smith, Library Director, Fergus Falls Public Library
Excellent idea where the modern melds perfectly with the ancient.
Hope you keep it up:
http://wherecanilearnHebrew.com