Like many travellers to the Central Queensland region, Ipswich visitor Shirley Weatherhead was delighted to join the Rockhampton Regional Library recently and access technology and digital resources offered by the library service with her e-services library card.
Another big plus for joining the library was enjoying a quiet air-conditioned space at each of the four library branches in the region.
Keeping in touch with family and friends from far away is where your local library can really help according to Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson.
Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said our libraries have a wonderful range of technology and digital resources available to the community.
“Our Libraries are place everyone can spend time reading, exploring and learning and is a place where you can keep in touch with family and friends from far away,” Cr Wickerson said.
“I encourage you to check out one our the local library branches and explore the wide range of resources, workshops and technology.”
Library membership is free for everyone and once someone has a library card, they can access technology such as internet enabled computers to write a Christmas letter, send an email or update their social media account.
Make a video call to a friend on their device using the library’s free WiFi and chat using Skype, Facetime or Zoom.
There are lots of quiet spaces at the libraries that are perfect for these type of conversations.
He said if members were not sure how to set up an email or social media account, there were lots of great resources to help them learn about crossing the digital threshold.
The Libraries have a range of books for all ages that explain key concepts simply, with diagrams, photos and pictures.
Be Connected is an Australian government initiative committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of older Australians with a wealth of really handy content to explore.
Their online library catalogue provides some useful links to ‘Online Reference and eSafety’ to help readers navigate this digital world- and library staff are more than happy to assist on this journey.
“Make use of your library card too to explore what’s on offer digitally,” he said.
“Listen to eAudiobooks, stream a wide selection of movies, read eBooks and digital magazines and access online courses. Please ask library staff about how to access this exciting content – it’s easy to use and absolutely free.
“If you would like to just get out of the house and need a cool area to write your letters or keep up to date with your books, then look no further than your local library.”
Lifelong Learning @ your Rockhampton Regional Library.
For more information, please call our Library Administration Office on 4936 8043.
