So you got an eReader, now what?

 Did you wake up to find an eReader under the tree? Wondering how to go about using it to read free ebooks from the library? You're in luck.

All major brands are compatible (except Amazon’s proprietary Kindle, which is currently only functional with some libraries in the U.S.), including Kobo’s recently released Mini, Arc, and Glo. To see if your device is compatible, click here.

Using your eReader to take out eBooks from the library is easy. With mobile devices such as the iPad, most smartphones, and the Kobo Vox or Arc you can even do it anywhere you have a wireless connection. However, the first time you do it you will need to set up your device properly and download either an app or a program, depending on which type of eReader you have.

Have a look at Overdrive, the main eBook lending service that Toronto Public Library uses for both eBooks and eAudiobooks. There is also Ebsco for eBooks and OneClick Digital for eAudiobooks. All three can be found here, or by clicking on “Downloads and eBooks” on the TPL homepage. The Downloads and eBooks page also features a handy guide called Getting Started with Library eBooks. OverDrive itself also features a great Quick Start Guide and a video Guided Tour.

Still mystified? Running into trouble? Looking for clarification? 

On Wed, January 16 from 1:30-3:00 there will be an introductory session on eBooks & eAudiobooks in Cedarbrae Library’s Le@rning Centre. Call the branch at 416-396-8850 to register. 

Lots of other branches are holding similar sessions too.

It's the end of the world as we know it... again

For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you may remember a post I did way back on May 21, 2011. That was supposed to be Judgement Day (the start of the end of the world in Christian belief) according to an obscure group of believers following the preaching of Harold Camping.

Obviously, that didn't happen.

In the spirit of this Friday's (potential) Doomsday, I thought I would re-post my post from that (non)fateful day in 2011.

But don't worry, NASA and archeologists everywhere highly doubt it will happen.

Happy reading! It will be nice to curl up with a book around the smoldering fires left after the asteroid hits ;)

A colleague of mine has posted another list (with more fiction) here.

I also found this post in one of the blogs I follow full of interesting stuff.

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Original Post from May 21, 2011

In case you haven't heard, today is Judgement Day according to an obscure but very vocal group of believers following the preaching of Harold Camping.

Camping estimates that about 3-4% of the world's population - those that are truly faithful - will rise into heaven, followed by five months of earthquakes and other plagues and disasters until the world officially ends on October 21, 2011.

Are you quaking in your boots yet? I wouldn't be too worried, Mr. Camping has been wrong before. He first predicted the apocalypse would happen back in 1994...

In fact, there has been a number of doomsday predictions over the years.

Here is some great reading on eschatology, the study of the end of the world:

 

 

 

The Apocalypse : A Brief History by Martha Himmelfarb 

 

 

Boston University has a great web page with an Apocalyptic Glossary

 

 

 

A History of the End of the World by Jonathan Kirsch reveals how the most controversial book in the Bible changed the course of Western civilization.

 

 

 

 

Time magazine's online article published yesterday also gives a great summary of apocalypse predictions and end-of-the-world dates that have come (and gone) over the last couple hundred years.

Making the Most of Your Money

Unless you're one of these kids, the chances are you've had to worry about money at some point. While there are always so many factors that affects one's ability to balance finance, a solid foundation of knowledge when it comes to money is important.

If you're between the ages of 13 and 19 and would like to learn more about how to get smart with your money, be sure to join us for Money 101: Personal Financial Management for Teens. This workshop will be led by Michael Goldberg, the 2011 winner of the Outstanding Educator in Financial Literacy Award. Mr. Goldberg is a proactive leader when it comes to working with teens and money, so you know you've got the right guy to talk to.

Get beyond the basic money math you have picked up in school (or slept through...) and find out more about opening a bank account, effective budgeting, and even investment options for teens! Whether you're already earning or just thinking about managing your savings, this workshop can get you started with tips and strategies for a lifetime of money know-how.

For more information and to register your spot, please call us at 416-396-8850.

See you there!

 

Stuck In Your Seat? Stretch it out anyway!

One of the first things I realized when I started working here at Cedarbrae was that I don't get to sit all that much. The sheer size of the library means that if you want to show someone where something is, or where to find a specific book, it's best to get up and walk on over!

This is a blessing - althought, at first, maybe in disguise. Being on my feet and walking around the branch means I get to stretch throughout the day, move my arms and legs around and generally get more physical movement out of my working day than a lot of people in various daily settings. However, there are still times when I'm seated for longer than I'd like, and I immediately feel the aches creeping up...

If you're someone who oftens ends up sitting for most of the day, usually in front of a computer screen, there is still good news. You don't have to be 'stuck' in the same position if you can help it. Here are some reading ideas on how to make the most out of your time in a chair or at your desk, regardless of whether you're at work or school. These can also be useful if you have physical limitations that keep you seated even at home or in other scenarios.

 

  
All three of these books have simple ideas that can be useful for people with all different types of lifestyles. Of course, if you're unsure of how to start or are concerned about causing injury, check with your doctor before trying anything. I'm a librarian - not a medical professional!

We usually visit some health-related websites in some of the computer classes we teach - there are some easy stretches available here, with photos. Some of them are surprising; who knew you could stretch your eyeballs? (It might be better to do that one when no one's looking...!)

On the Health and Wellness Blog, Carolyn wrote up a great post about workplace health last year that you might also want to check out. It's got some great links to information about more stretches, ergonomic seating and repetitive strain injuries.

If you're looking for ways to strengthen up even when you're away from work or school, you might want to try out some free yoga, meditation and restorative programs available at different branches throughout the city. Many of these also focus on managing stress often associated with work, which can also be a huge factor in your physical well-being regardless of where you are.

When possible, it's always good to get up and move around a little bit. But when you can't, you have to consider ways to work around it so you don't end up slouched over and staring into your screen for hours, with backaches and wrist pains following you home.

There's still a few weeks before we ring in 2013, so consider this a headstart on any health resolutions you may be mulling over for the next year!

Good luck and happy stretching!

 

What Did YOU Read Today?

If you haven't already, there is still time to get on board with the National Reading Campaign!

This December, we're asking one very important question to all Canadians:

What did you read today?

Whether it's a novel that you can't put down, a magazine you've flipped through, or a fun blog (*hint hint!*), share what you've read daily for a chance to win a Kobo eReader!


Log in to your Twitter account and tweet to @readingcampaign with the hashtag #whatdidyoureadtoday? for a chance to win one of ten pre-loaded Kobo eReaders. You can enter each day, and the contest is open to all Canadian residents over 19. For more details, check out the official rules.

(On the other hand, if you're looking at this and thinking 'hash - what now?', you might want to start with something like this or walk into your local branch and ask staff for a Twitter @ Your Fingertips Guide if available).

The contest to win the eReader ends December 31st, so get reading and start tweeting! Good luck!

Last minute gifts to make

Ok, so it's not really last minute if you're shopping, but if you plan on making gifts to give this holiday season, the time to start is now!

Here are some great books full of instructions and inspiration.

(click on a title for link to item)

For those who celebrate Christmas:

 

Or any of these other titles.

 

Or perhaps you celebrate Hanukkah?

See more here.

 

How about Kwanzaa?

See more here.

 

And then there are resources everyone can use:

more card making resources here.

 

Maybe you have a particular craft you're drawn to?

If you're a knitter like me you might want to try searching for books with patterns for knitted gifts, such as this one:

 

 

Or, if you aren't the fastest knitter (also like me) or are running out of time (me again), try some of the quick-n'-easy patterns in these books:

 

 

 

Into paper crafts? Want to make someone their very own unique fabric-bound journal? Try a search like this, to get books like this:

 

 

Beading? Try a search like this one to get books like this:

 

 

Wood working? How about searching for books like this:

 

 

The possibilities are endless.

 

And don't forget to have a gander at our librarian Recommended Websites too.

 

Happy Holiday Handcrafting!