Tips, News

We have been asked a fair bit recently about our choice of Zoom for our online book groups etc. It is not a perfect platform and there are some valid concerns about its security. This post will explain why we chose to use Zoom, why we continue to use it and what our patrons can do to keep themselves and our meetings secure.

We chose Zoom because it is simple to use. Many of our patrons are not comfortable with modern technology. We feltRead More Read More

It occurred to us that people might feel intimidated by Zoom, the technology we are using for most of our online programs. Although it was new to most of us, we’ve been using it for staff meetings since we went online on March 13. Even our resident technophobe, Librarian Frank Connelly, has figured it out, so we decided he would be the best person to write instructions. They are included below. Also, we have Zoom Practice sessions every Wednesday at Read More Read More

As you may know, the CDC has recommended wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). A local organization, Masks for NY, is mobilizing community members to cut, sew, and transport cloth face masks to those who need them. If you have the skill to make masks, but don’t have a sewing machine to do so, we can get you one. The Westchester Library System has some portable Brother sewing machines which can be borrowed.  Just fill out this form.Read More Read More

Even before the Current Situation began, we had been spending more money on eBooks than ever before. Since we closed, however, we’ve almost doubled our spending. Even so, some people are having a hard time getting the eBooks they want. Below are a few pointers.  More detailed explanations will be posted on our FAQ page.

• Ask for help. Reference staff monitors (914) 734-5362 from their homes every weekday from 10am to 4pm. You can email us any time, larchmontlibrary@wlsmail.org.
• Many titles are available in formats other than Kindle. Unless you are using a black-and-white Amazon eReader like a Paperwhite, you are not stuck with Kindle books.