National Library Week seems like a great time to toot our own horn and tell you about great, lesser-known perks you get with your library card. You can use our streaming video and music without even leaving your house! What better perk could there be? (Oh, there are way more – see the bottom of this post!) Streaming VideoAcorn TVAcorn TV has your British favs, which you can watch on your computer, phone or stream to your TV with your Roku or AppleTV. KanopyKanopy offers indie and international films, documentaries, and educational entertainment for all ages. Watch 10 films per month! QelloEver wish you could see your favorite band in concert? Qello has full-length concerts as well as music documentaries. Stream and sing to your heart’s content! PongaloLooking for series and movies in Spanish? Try Pongalo! Get your telenovela fix or watch movies. IndieFlixInto quirky, independent films? Want more documentaries and shorts? IndieFlix Movies and TV is for you. Access all streaming video here. Streaming MusicFreegal MusicNeed some jams? Download or stream music on Freegal. When you download your free 5 songs a week, you keep the songs! Or try streaming 3 hours of music a day to get your fix. Alright, now you know about streaming video and music, but what other perks are there?
Library card perks you may not know about published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr Library card perks you may not know about
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This guest blog post was co-authored by Kim and Grace, members of the Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr. Library’s Teen Advisory Board. Learn more about getting involved at this year’s Rising Voices Youth Summit on Saturday, April 13 at Flowing Wells Library! We have been Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members since 2016. The foremost reason we enjoy the TAB is because we help provide learning opportunities—many that would otherwise be unavailable—for teens in our community. Plus, we get to do activities that we might not have known about or even thought to participate in. Recently we created a weekly club where teens could learn how to crochet or knit. Grace crochets and Lisa, a librarian, knits. They worked together to get the club up and running. It was a relaxing, fun, and creative way to spend hot summer days. We also ran a program creating cards for U.S. Military service members. It was during last year’s Summer Reading Program, so we set aside space in the children’s area where families would pass by and make a few cards. Parents and kids wrote heartwarming messages to show their appreciation for service members and veterans. Some even wrote about the connections they had with the military and shared their own stories. After a few weeks, we gathered all of the cards and sent them to an organization called “A Million Thanks,” where they shipped them overseas for soldiers to read. In the past, we’ve held donation drives to support those in need. We’ve held a Christmas toy drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We also held a donation drive for the Pima Animal Care Center to collect supplies for pets at the shelter. Every donation we receive is special and reminds us that the people in our community are caring and want to give to those who need it most. These drives show us that donations—even the smallest—can make a difference. Some of our favorite monthly events are the ones we do with presenters from organizations such as Xerocraft Hackerspace. These events are especially interesting because they help teens build new skills and introduce them to the abundance of creative opportunities we have right here in Tucson. Other events include 3D printing, virtual reality, and vinyl cutting. We also develop arts and crafts programming. At the most popular of these events, Steampunk Jewelry, teens get to design and create their own trinkets to keep and take home. Every person creates something unique and different, bringing a world of creativity under one roof. Others include origami, drawing, and music production. All of these programs are free and open to any interested teen! We believe it is important for youth to become leaders. Learning how to lead teaches us responsibility and patience—skills that will serve us well in the future. Planning programs and doing community-based projects with our fellow TAB peers has taught us to plan in advance and understand that good things take time to come to fruition. We’ve learned about processes and how to start projects. Partnering with the University of Arizona, we’ve offered educational programs, like résumé writing, which exposed us to important, real-world expectations. The best part about being on the Teen Advisory Board? There’s no pressure—it’s about learning, meeting new friends, and preparing to leap into the future and make a difference. Teens become leaders at the Library published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr Teens become leaders at the Library The Library’s website is getting an update soon. This update is primarily for those of us who work in the back end of the website to keep it running. The changes for you will be minimal, but we hope you like them! Here’s what to expect. What is staying the same?
What’s changing?The homepage will have a new look.
Book, movie, and music recommendations will be easier to find!
The website will work better for people with accessibility needs. Our vendor has designed, built, and tested this software upgrade with improved accessibility in mind. Patrons who make use of screen reader software, tabbed browsing, high contrast displays, magnification tools, and other assistive technologies should have a much better experience using the new website. Here’s a sneak peek! Website Software Update Coming Soon! published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr Website Software Update Coming Soon! Alfred Mukson, aka Ayostin Deon, is a local student, songwriter, singer, and musician. He will be one of our featured performers at this year’s Rising Voice Youth Summit on Saturday, April 13 (9:30 am–2 pm at Flowing Wells Library). Ayostin has been making and performing music since he was 12 years old and living in Nampula, Mozambique. Last year, he performed at the Rising Voices Open Mic with a live band/dance group called the Lucky Boys. Since then, he has performed solo at various events around Tucson, including Tucson Meet Yourself, the Youth and Peace Conference. He can also be found playing the drums with the Palo Verde High School marching and concert bands, and writing, producing, and recording his own music. We interviewed Ayostin about why music offers a way to connect with others, and his advice for young people who are following their own passions. Why is music so important to you? Whenever I’m sad I can listen to a song or create my own and I feel better. If I’m bored I can dance and come up with moves. I can’t go without music. It makes me happy and excited. It makes me feel something in my soul. I want my music to do that for others. What message do you want your music to send? I want to help people unlock emotions, make them feel something, and think about their lives. What is it like performing in front of an audience? Sometimes I get nervous and I don’t want to do it. When someone shoots a video of a performance, I never watch it because I’m not sure of how I will look. I don’t know what pushes me to do it, but once I get up there it feels good because I’m doing what I love. Music is one of my best dreams. What are your goals? I want to connect with others through music; to share my story. A musician performing a song is as powerful as a poet reading a poem. That’s what I want others to know. Do you have advice to share with your peers? Be who you are and do your own thing. Don’t give up because someone told you to. Hold your talent with both hands and your soul. Do what makes you happy and do it the best you can. Check Ayostin out on YouTube! Music is one of my best dreams published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr Music is one of my best dreams The video game industry has never been short of innovations aiming at improving the gaming experience for gamers irrespective of the age. Today, gamers have access to a full range of gaming consoles, highly interactive titles and accessories. The Google ‘Stadia’: Is it The Future of Gaming published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr The Google 'Stadia': Is it The Future of Gaming Any time a series inspires an entire genre of games, you know they’re doing something right. One half of the inspiration behind the ever-popular Metroidvania genre of games, Castlevania does a lot of things well and arguably includes the most battles against Count Dracula featured in any gaming series. The Best Gaming Franchises of All-Time Castlevania published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr The Best Gaming Franchises of All-Time Castlevania Pilot program addresses youth behavioral issues with compassion and inclusivity One of the Library’s goals is to make our buildings welcoming to people of all ages. In an effort to create more welcoming spaces for youth, the Library has piloted a program that offers youth facing suspension for behavior that doesn’t align with the Code of Conduct a way to make amends without losing library privileges. Library Restorative Practices for Youth (LRPY) encourages youth to meet with a board of community members and work together to address behavioral issues. Sofia Blue, a former librarian and current Special Staff Assistant for Pima County Supervisor Ramón Valadez, and Manuel Abril, a facilitator for local art therapy groups, served on the first LRPY Board, which piloted at Eckstrom-Columbus Library in the fall of 2017. In Manuel’s opinion, “It shows a spirit of inclusivity… and gives young people a forum to be heard.” Throughout the pilot year, Manuel and Sofia were part of interactions that offered genuine examples of restorative practices at work. Sofia recalls one youth who said she was so embarrassed about what she had done that she felt it in her heart, while Manuel remembers meeting a teen who used her time in front of the board to open up about social exclusion and the ways it was affecting her and her behavior. There is one teen whom Mary Sanchez, manager of the Eckstrom-Columbus Library, will never forget. This participant had been referred to the LRPY board three different times, but there was no change in behavioral issues, which included getting into fights, yelling, being rude to staff, and bypassing the computer system. Mary says, “During one of the sessions, we asked his older sister to attend. She brought her mother and translated to her throughout the meeting. The difference was astonishing. The teen was more attentive and respectful and really listened to what his mother and sister had to say. Having them come to the session made a huge impact. Since then, his attitude and behavior have drastically improved.” “The first year has been very positive….This model shows youth that they are part of and responsible for the well-being of their library,” says Manuel. Sofia agrees, “The kids that cause disruptions are often the ones who need the library the most. It’s not easy for kids to talk about why they got into trouble, but they always have interesting insights and they really do want to make things right. They just need guidance on how to make it right again. That’s what restorative justice is all about.” It’s made an astonishing difference published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr It’s made an astonishing difference Tammyâs letter read, âIâm a year clean thanks to the Library and a lot of work.â For most people, dates mark significant life events. Births, deaths, marriages, and anniversaries. Tammy LeForce remembers the first time she walked into Martha Cooper Library. âIt was March 16, 2017,â she says. It was a day that marked a turning point in her life. After three decades of methamphetamine use, Tammy was just five short months into her quest for sobriety. In a letter to the library, Tammy expressed her gratitude. âMy name is Tammyâ¦. Iâm in recovery after 30 years, and now Iâm a year clean thanks to the Library and a lot of work.â Sobriety came at a hard cost. She suffers from severe seizures and debilitating migraines. She navigates daily life dealing with a serious mental illness, which she had always tried to overcome through self-medication. At fifty years old, Tammy hasnât had any formal education since she dropped out of school in 1986. Thatâs the reason she found herself at the Library that spring morning. And, as fate would have it, she found exactly what she was looking for. âI went to get a Library card, but went in the wrong room and accidentally found one of their GED classes,â she says. âWhen I walked in, I thought âI canât do this, but Iâm going to try.ââ She met Cinthia, Martha Cooper Libraryâs GED class instructor, who has been helping her ever since. Tammy says, âShe comes in an hour early for me so we can have extra time working together.â Tammy was at a 3rd grade education level. It would take, Cinthia said, about two years to get ready for the GED. Tammy jumped in. âOther than one doctor appointment, I donât think sheâs missed a single day since she started coming. She knows Iâm waiting for her,â says Cinthia. For Tammy, itâs not just about learning. âI can walk here. It keeps me out of my house and out of my comfort zone. Cinthia doesnât tell me what to do. She knows me and guides me.â In the beginning, Tammy felt stupid. âI hated reading. I didnât know any multiplication. Sometimes I donât remember half the stuff, but Iâm starting to get better,â she says. Cinthia assured her time and time again, âYou are not stupid. Itâs been three decades since you went to school. Things have changed. You have changed.â Tammy has improved to a 4th grade reading level. Sheâs actually started enjoying reading. Among her favorites so far are the great animal classics Sounder, Lassie, and Socks. âI read Charlotteâs Web and Old Yeller in two days,â she says, âI even installed a porch light, so I could read outside.â Sheâs also started using the Libraryâs online resources, including Khan Academy, to practice reading and math. âI donât know all of the keys,â she says, âbut Iâm getting there. Plus, Cinthia doesnât have to log me in anymore. I can do it on my own!â Tammy attends hands-on workshops and Summer Reading programs. Sheâs built a rapport with numerous staff. Debbi, Library Associate, copies newspapers for Tammy so she can practice reading them. The manager, Tara, recently ordered Roald Dahlâs Matilda because she thinks Tammy will enjoy it. Tammy loves that the Library is so close and has no plans to move from the neighborhood. âI feel good when I walk in here. I know they care about my future and theyâre a part of the reason I stay sober.â Pondering the many roads sheâs taken, Tammy recalls, âIâve lived by libraries before, but I never went in. Itâs as if this library was put here for a reasonâto help me with my recovery. Everyone needs a village. Martha Cooper Library is my village.â Her life story is full of heartache, but itâs also one of hope and triumph. At the Library, Tammy continues to pursue her dreams, surrounded by people who care about her. After three decades, a turning point published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr After three decades, a turning point We are all familiar with this time of year. Four leaf clovers, green leprechaun hats, green everything, and everyone is an honorary Irishman for one day. But where did we get this holiday? The Irish certainly don’t have a history of celebrating it the way we do. March 17 is the Catholic feast day of Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, whose story should be familiar for you. The legend is that he lured the snakes out of Ireland forever (though the story is much more detailed than that). In reality, he was born in Roman Britain in the fourth century, kidnapped by Irish raiders, and taken as a slave in Ireland. He eventually returned to Britain, and later studied for the priesthood in Gaul, but ended up going back to Ireland to convert the pagan island to Christianity. So how’s that bring us to Chicago dying its river Green? It started out with the paradesopens a new window. Boston held it’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, and New York City saw its first in 1762. These events were originally put on by emigres from Ireland, who were not only longing for their homeland, but also seeking forms of unity and togetherness. This was particularly important in times of strife, when Irish immigrants were held in extreme disfavor by other Americans—themselves the descendants of immigrants—even when they were in positions of power. (Read more about Irish Immigration in the US.) Much like everything else, the twentieth century led to severe commercialization. What was first an insular holiday among friends and relations became a spectacle of debauchery, and everyone started wearing green (did you know the color associated with St. Patrick was originally blueopens a new window?) and eating corned beef and cabbage. What was once a feast day celebrating a joint pride in nationality and ancestry has become yet another day for everyone to overindulge. And it’s not just here in America, either; there are celebrations of all hues of green in Ireland, Australia, Japan, even Brazil! Erin go bragh. St. Patrick’s Day: not just about green beer published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr St. Patrick’s Day: not just about green beer âNever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, itâs the only thing that ever has.â â Margaret Mead Youth movements worldwide have shown that young people can truly drive conversation and make change. Globally theyâve protested gun violence, called for the end of dictatorships, and addressed climate change. While these movements often feel big and overwhelming, they are helping change the tide. In Tucson, young people have engaged in activism for years. Now you can too! Since 2014, Rising Voices has offered an outlet for young people to connect, share stories and strategies, and make their voices heard. This yearâs event is no different! Join local youth at the Flowing Wells Library from 10am to 1pm on April 13, to make your concerns known and get involved with leadership in the library and the community. Together we will network, learn, and share! Youth presenters from the Metropolitan Education Commission Youth Advisory Council and various Pima County Public Library Teen Advisory Boards will share their experiences and successful strategies for projects they have worked on to improve education, the environment, mental healthcare, library services, and more. You will learn concrete strategies to get involved in the Tucson community and in the Pima County Public Library system as a volunteer or employee. Here are just a few of the things youâll gain as a participant:
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. All participants will get fun Library takeaways, and three lucky winners will get a Kindle Fire! Weâll also host a reception with music, food, crafts, and mingling. If you are under 20 and youâd like to get involved or share information about your organization, please contact Amelia Marsh at [email protected]. âAmelia Marsh, Library Associate Together we will network, learn, and share published first on https://medium.com/@SteampunkPCGames via Tumblr Together we will network, learn, and share |
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I'm a game developer and technical author living in Texas, in US. Games offer something for everyone. Video gaming or online games is great for unwinding and forgetting the troubles of the real world. My article will give you some great advice on games. Personal Links |