We’ve said it before and we will say it again, the library is so much more than just books! We are constantly expanding our collection to include useful items for the community. To provide customers with the technology they may find themselves needing and unable or unwilling or just not ready to buy, The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is highlighting our new collection of Gadgets.
The Gadgets collection launch comes on the heels of our popular Creator’s Collection introduced in January, which has been an enormous success! Library Collection Services manager, Colleen Seisser, explains the motivation behind these ‘unconventional’ Library items. “We want to provide materials throughout collections like Gadgets and Creator’s Collections, so our community can try different things out before they invest for their personal use, take on a new hobby, or try to learn a new skill.” The Creator’s Collection includes musical instruments, crafting supplies, and even sewing machines for checkout.
Items available in the Gadgets collection include a CD boombox and a portable CD player that can be especially useful for customers who enjoy our audiobooks. Need to back up important files or transfer them to another computer? The Library offers three types of external hard drives for you to use. Want to do something outdoors in the Summer with your family? Check out fishing poles for you and the kids, or, be the host to a backyard movie night with the pocket projector.
For those who are struggling to type on the small screen on your smart phone, it is convenient to borrow a stylus to use and see if it helps! The Library even has cassette tape converters that can bring new life to your outdated music collection. Because cassette tapes are something of a relic these days, once you convert your music collection, it is unlikely you’ll find yourself needing the converter device again. So why spend the money? Let the Library provide that for you! Each device comes with an instruction guide for use and if you need more help, our Digital Services Department is available to troubleshoot, or, answer questions.
Technology is a revolving door of change, and it can be difficult to keep up. The Aurora Public Library District can help bridge the gap and allow the freedom to try these devices before you spend your hard-earned money. Is there a device you’d like to see added to the Gadgets or Creator’s Collection? Let us know!
More information about the Gadgets available for checkout can be found online at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/gadgets.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.