Playaways, Activity Room and Video Games

Playaway Audiobooks come to the Library.

One of our most important goals is to make the library as accessible as possible to the greatest number of people. But we recognize that the very technology that makes it possible for us to distribute content easily and cheaply can be a real obstacle for some patrons. For example, while many patrons are using the MyMediaMall service of downloadable e-books and audio books if you don’t have a computer or MP3 device you can’t take advantage of it.

Our new Playaway Digital Audio book players could be just thing for you. Playaways are preloaded, single-title audio book players that are as simple to use as pressing a button. They circulate just like books and the only thing you need to supply is an AA battery and a set of headphones or ear buds. (And if you need either of those items, you can get them at the Circulation desk for a small fee.)

Our first collection includes Children’s, Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction and Language titles. If Playaways circulate as we expect them to, we’ll expand the collection. Come in and give one a try. They are simple, portable and free.

New Activity Room opens

As part of the ongoing effort to squeeze every last bit of public space out of this building, the Local History Room has been transformed into a bright new Activity Room. Primarily this space is for programs, story times and other Youth Services events. But it can be easily reconfigured for Teen and Adult purposes. Photos of a recent Playtime Class can be seen on the MGPL Parents blog here http://mgplparents.blogspot.com/

The Local History Collection is now housed in a more secure space on the other side of the Library.

Why Video Games in the Library?

We are sometimes asked why we provide video games to our younger patrons. Well, games are additional ways to tell stories and engage in learning. And because video games appeal to the traditionally under-served population of teenagers, we felt it was worthwhile to explore using them. The Dance, Dance Revolution (DDR) competitions, we’ve offered in the past year were a big hit with teens. The Playtstation 2 games, which we have recently begun to circulate, have been wildly popular, and we’re looking forward to hosting Guitar Hero competitions in the near future. Youth Services has recently added X Box games to the collection.