Have You Tried The New 'Tech Toolbar' at Los Altos Library?

News from Santa Clara County Library District:

Santa Clara County Library District’s Los Altos Library recently unveiled its innovative Tech Toolbar, a new service offered by library staff to help residents learn about the newest electronic devices. Individuals are encouraged to explore and play with these devices and learn how to easily download a myriad of free eResources offered by SCCLD. The Tech Toolbar features four devices: an iPad mini, a Samsung Galaxy tablet, a Kindle Fire and a Kindle Paperwhite.

“At SCCLD, our libraries offer a vast amount of content for electronic devices. The Tech Toolbar provides an opportunity for individuals to try various devices and have library staff assist with their device and content questions. This personalized service opens a new world of library resources for library users; one filled with a wealth of downloadable content that can be accessed 24/7 at the touch of a button,” observed Nancy Howe, County Librarian.

The Tech Toolbar pilot program began in 2013 at the Cupertino Library and expanded to the Campbell Library in January 2015. Los Altos Library is the third SCCLD location to provide this personalized service. “Libraries have to evolve to adapt to changing technology. With thousands of eResources, including 46,000 eBooks, available on the SCCLD web site, cardholders have a wealth of informational and entertainment resources at their fingertips. Individuals who have recently purchased new tablet computers are invited to visit the Los Altos Library Tech Toolbar and discover the potential of their new devices,” statedLos Altos Community Librarian, Judith Gregg.

The Tech Toolbar will be staffed by library employees on:

· Tuesdays, 4–6 p.m.

· Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

· Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

· Saturdays, 3-5 p.m.

· Sundays, 1-3 p.m.

Individuals needing additional assistance with eResources or their devices can schedule one-on-one appointments with a librarian or Tech Toolbar coach at the Los Altos Library by calling (650) 948-7683. For additional information and detailed instructions for downloading eResources go to: http://www.sccl.org/Browse/eBooks.

Los Altos Library is utilizing technology in other innovative ways to help children learn. There are four early literacy iPads for children and their caregivers to enjoy together during their library visits. The iPads are loaded with early literacy apps designed for children ages 2-6. The content on the iPads includes important early literacy building skills such as singing, talking, reading, and writing. These devices provide parents and caregivers with early literacy tools for their young children and can make their visits to the Los Altos Library even more engaging.