The Library & Your Digital Lifestyle (Whatever That Is)
Technology is cool. That's what I'm told anyway. Advertisers have been trying to sell us things based on a perceived "lifestyle" for decades, even if those lifestyles don't really exist. I love movies, music and digital technology as much as the next person. In fact, I love using my iPod and my MacBook. But every time I see one of those Mac Guy/PC Guy commercials on my TV, I want to throw my ipod at the screen until there are iSparks and iFlames all over my iCrib! Geez! Now, I know these ads aren't necessarily targeted at me. And since I feel we get what we ask for in the end, I guess I don't care if they try to market us a fictitious lifestyle in $100 pre-destroyed jeans. I may not understand the usefulness of a MySpace page, but lots of other people do. So let's talk "digital lifestyle" and let that mean whatever the heck you want it to mean. Just make sure you visit www.grpl.org to let the library help you out...
So, you don't quite see what a library has to offer a high-tech world citizen like yourself? Well, get prepared to be schooled. Free access to information wasn't started online. It was started at the library before computers were even conceived (although the wheel may have been around for a few years). Whether you are an old pro or just getting your feet wet in the, um, uh...digital ocean? (sorry) we can help. The library has a ton of FREE resources to help you get started:
- Computer classes on basic internet use, word processing and more
- Internet access (30 minutes a day) to check your e-mail or visit your favorite websites
- Access to many online & local databases available only to patrons
- The GRPL website at www.grpl.org giving you access to your library account, the entire library catalog, The Atrium (the library's blog), links to almost every topic imaginable, programs and events calendars, AskUs reference services, downloadable audiobooks and so much more.
- Hundreds of DVD titles (many you won't find at Blockbuster)
-Thousands of Music CDs
-Hundreds of audiobooks
So there is no better place to start than the GRPL for technology and related resources. We have the latest information and equipment and we won't try to sell you a plasma TV. So, if you ever get up from that XBox, we have books & magazines on all sorts of technology-related topics. Research the latest high tech trends or just enjoy a new book (old-school tech). Either way, we can help you get acquainted with the latest additions to your world.