You may have noticed a few of our librarians' shining faces around town lately on buses, billboards, subway placards, and more, as part of our ad campaign in partnership with ADLOOP. We thought you may want to get to know a little more about these awesome information gurus who smile back at you every day on your commute home. Last week, you met Adam. Now, say hello to K-Fai!

Your favorite thing about your job:
I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to work at the ground level with people. Hot Spots are unique library locations because they're embedded within community centers. Every day I interact with people from the North Philadelphia community in a new and unique way--but it’s on their turf. My job is focused around helping people learn how to use computers and the internet. Many people who come in have never used a mouse before. There’s nothing better than helping someone successfully do something for the first time, like apply for a job or write a résumé. I love cheerleading people through the job application process, because more often than not, applying for jobs can be so discouraging and arduous, particularly when you’re not comfortable using a computer or the internet. I love being able to say “great job” to someone who has overcome a huge learning obstacle--we celebrate every success in the Hot Spot at The Village of Arts and Humanities, regardless of how big or small.

Your computer superpower:
My superpower? I can help someone to write an amazing résumé in 30 minutes--even if they’ve never had a job before.
 
Most pervasive (and incorrect) stereotype about techies:
I think the most incorrect stereotype about techies is that we fixate on minutiae and can’t see “the big picture,” which also means that we’re so detail-driven that we completely lack social skills. It’s not true--I love engaging patrons on all levels, and sometimes you accomplish more with a conversation than by sitting on the internet for an hour.
 
Most pervasive (and, okay, maybe a *little* correct) stereotype about techies:
That we try to push resources on you. We want to help!
 
Insider tip about the Free Library’s digital resources:
AP Images is a great resource to use copyright-free images to create flyers, greeting cards, and more. We use it to help people who want help with graphic design projects. It looks a lot better than clip art!
 

Tags: Check Us Out

OverDrive will release an updated version of the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) mobile app for iOS and Android (v2.6.5) on Tuesday, May 28. This change will effect people who use the Overdrive app to read ebooks or listen to audiobooks on their iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.  Below is a summary of the release details.

Overdrive Update for Apple/iOS v2.6.5

In addition to improving the speed of the in-app browser and a few bug fixes, the updated Overdrive app will require you to reauthorize your Adobe ID. This re-authorization is required by Apple and reflects changes in Apple's privacy policies. As a result, the Overdrive App for iOS will de-authorize every users’ Adobe ID and prompt them to authorize again. Audiobook users will be unaffected unless attempting to download parts from a book that was only partially downloaded prior to the update.
 
eBooks – Adobe Authorization

After installing the update, users with authorized Adobe IDs in place will see the following message:
 

Clicking ‘Sign In’ will show the ‘Adobe Authorization’ screen. The deauthorized Adobe ID will be pre-populated and you will only need to enter your password. The ‘Forgot password?’ link will be also available.

Audiobooks – Help downloading additional parts

If you have an audiobook checked out at the time of the update, you won’t notice anything different unless you attempt to download additional parts an audiobook that was not entirely downloaded to the app before the update. In this case, the following message is displayed:
 
 
 

If you see this message, you will need to download the title again from your bookshelf on our Overdrive website.

If you run into trouble with these updates, please contact us for help. 

Tags: ebooks

Did you know that last week was Children’s Book Week, the longest running literacy initiative in the US? Fear not, Free Library staff has curated “Oh, the places you’ll go”, a wonderful exhibit highlighting Book Week resources to help encourage your emerging readers. Additionally, staff has presented a lovely collection of vintage Children’s Book Week posters. You can view this digital exhibit here. You may also want to check out the Book Week's Children's Choice Award winner, Nighttime Ninja, availible at your local branch!

Tags: Children's books, Exhibitions, Pre-K

Google recently announced updates to their Maps API script, with more updates planned this summer for their overall Maps platform.
The Free Library uses this API to display Google Maps in various locations on our website, most notably our Branch Map and Map Mosaic.
In preparation for Google's update, Free Library web development staff worked to upgrade the code and data displayed on the maps, as well as add some new usability features for our customers.

Branch Map
The branch map has been updated to perform like most common “store locators” found on popular retail websites.

You can now quickly view all library branches on the map at once or select which branches are open on Saturday, have a Book Drop, or are handicapped accessible.

When you click on an icon, you can see the branch address, phone number, and business hours. Customers can also type in their location and find their nearest library branches.

Map Mosaic
We've combined our map mosaic and HIP (Historical Images of Philadelphia) map into one robust and interactive digital map for customers to explore our vast collection of historical maps, digital images, and newly gathered map data for the Philadelphia region. You can select from 4 different Google Map displays: Road Map, Earth Satellite, Hybrid Map, and Terrain Map.

From the Historical Maps drop-down menu, you can select various historical maps to overlay on top of Google map of Philadelphia. The screenshot below is displaying 1934 Brewer Map of Philadelphia overlaid on top of a Google Road Map of Philadelphia.

From the Historical Images of Philadelphia drop-down menu, you can select from numerous neighborhoods and see historical images from bygone eras of Philadelphia.

We also added a new section entitled “Explore Philadelphia Today” which displays user-generated photos (via Panoramio) from around the entire city, Philly bicycle paths, and traffic in real-time.

We hope to add more helpful city services data and features to this section in the future (i.e. list of Philadelphia Public Schools, Hospitals, Parks, etc.).

There are many viewing options and configurations you can set on these maps, making it a truly immersive experience!

Try out our new map features and leave us some feedback below!

Tags: Branches, databases, maps, tech, website

2013 marks the 6th annual Philly Beer Week. What began as a “what if discussion” between a Daily News reporter and some bar owners has now grown into an annual event with more than 250 participating organizations and more than 1,000 events. To the best of our knowledge, Philly Beer Week was the first city-wide week long celebration of craft beer.  In the six years since its founding, more than 100 cities have followed our lead.