RFID Technology at the Library

In recognition of everyone’s right to privacy, the library will implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology on May 1.  The Friends of the Library, who helped fund the new system, spent over 300 hours tagging every book in the library.  This service adds convenience and privacy for patrons and allows faster scanning, providing quicker check-outs.  There are two new self-checkout stations available, giving patrons the option to access their library accounts for the purpose of borrowing items without staff assistance.   There will be volunteers and staff available to demonstrate using the new equipment for patrons as well as circulation assistants behind the front desk to answer questions.  Patrons can also manage their own accounts from the library’s website, which makes it possible to pay fines, renew materials and place holds without having to come in.

The public library’s role as an information provider is delicately intertwined with key concepts of privacy and confidentiality. Library users historically have benefited from a reasonable expectation of privacy while accessing and receiving information. The right to privacy is not specifically addressed in the Bill of Rights. However, this expectation is borne out through court cases that interpret the Fourth Amendment and extend its purview to include privacy rights in our modern world.  The concept of privacy is essential to everyone seeking information and protection of their First Amendment rights in today’s public libraries. 

During Choose Privacy Week, May 1-7, 2013, libraries across the country are inviting everyone to answer the critical question, “Who’s tracking you?”  Everyone should have the right to know who’s collecting their information and choose how their private data is used. Visit www.privacyrevolution.org for more information.  There will be a selection of books related to privacy issues displayed on the library’s second floor.  

 

Dates to remember in May:

A series of Straw Bale Gardening programs will begin in May, led by agriculture extension agent Travis Birdsell.  This is an all-ages project.  Join us for planting on Wednesday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.  The harvest from the garden will go to “Outgrow Hunger” and benefit Ashe County. 

A Square Foot Gardening workshop will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m.  Learn the basics and more … bring your own 12x12x6 container for some hands on experience.

Children’s programs are scheduled as follows: Story time (4-5 year olds) on May 7 at 10:30 a.m., Tot time (2-3 year olds) Wednesday, May 1 & 8 and Thursday, May 2 & 9 at 10:30 a.m.,

Afternoon Adventures (6-9 year olds) will meet at the Honey Hole in West Jefferson at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8.  Our local bee expert will show us the inside workings of a hive colony.

Otaku’s United, an Anime/Manga Club for teens, meets on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Teens will be “chilling out” on Thursday, May 2 at 4:00 p.m. as they meet to make Emergency Stress Kits.  Music and munchies provided!

Parents bring your children to our Family Fling programs, Saturday, May 4 & 11 at 11:00 a.m.  Enjoy stories and be creative with fun art projects!  A special family program takes place on Thursday, May 23 at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the stories and songs of Bob Dylan.  Scot Pope and Suzanne Moore will perform on harmonica, bongos and guitar.

Join us for “Get Crafty” classes! All ages and experience levels are welcome. Suzanne's crochet class meets on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m.  A “Get Crafty” Program Guide is available on the library's website, or call 846-2041 for more information. 

Adult programming offers “Pace Yourself” Computer Classes on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 a.m.

Tai Chi classes are available on Thursday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. as well as Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m.

Meditation techniques will be demonstrated on Thursdays, May 16 & 23 at 12:30 p.m.

The Spring Reading Challenge continues through the month of May. Do you have a hard time deciding what to read next? Are you in a reading rut and want to discover new books and authors? Do you simply enjoy discussing books with fellow readers? Try these reading challenges for fun and prizes!