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Lending Help: The Libraries of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2021/01 – Winter
The twin Plateau libraries have emerged as hubs of learning and entertainment options as the world learns to adjust to new challenges and new possibilities.
Over the years, libraries have morphed into way more than book lending institutions. They are diverse help centers – pointing people to the right research, providing information on free classes, offering avenues for learning, sharing entertainment, and much, much more. In fact, the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library and Hudson Library are go-to sites for one-on-one technology assistance.
“Generally speaking, tech help is available any day we’re open,” said Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian at Hudson Library. “We commonly provide help, to both children and adults, with their iPhones and Androids, iPads and tablets, Kindles and other e-readers. But usually kids already know the answers! We can also help with laptops.”
Added Serenity Richards, the branch librarian at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library,
“I imagine there will be the annual bump of new devices people will need help learning to use.” She said that libraries can provide guidance on downloading apps such as Overdrive, which allows cardholders to listen to audiobooks or read e-books; Kanopy, an on-demand streaming video platform for films and documentaries; and, Universal Class, a host of free online courses and continuing education classes.
“I’m personally hung up on Universal Class right now,” admitted Richards. “My ability to self-direct my creativity has run out so their short classes have helped me focus my limited free time. A few hours on Therapeutic Bathing was a trip … though I am eyeing that calligraphy course for the winter months.”
Winter stuck-inside months are also ideal times to glean direction on how to navigate 3D printing, Mango Languages, Morningstar Investment Research Center, Heritage Quest, and government, entrepreneur, and business resources.
For the foreseeable future, appointments are required at both libraries. Wi-Fi is easily accessible at both libraries as well.
In fact, Morenus said, “One new thing we’re offering assistance with is hotspots, especially the ones that we are supplying to school children in the three-county area.”
