Library Lines: Tech Exchange to provide help at Contra Costa branches
The Contra Costa County Library is partnering with nonprofit group Tech Exchange to offer drop-in tech support at three library branches. Beginning July 29, Tech Exchange will be on-site at the Pittsburg, Walnut Creek and San Pablo libraries twice a week to help patrons with their technology needs.
Tech Exchange staff and interns can provide assistance with signing up for Internet service, opening an email account and navigating the Internet. They can also help with software needs, some light hardware support and helping patrons understand the library branches’ desktop computers or their own phones and tablets.
This partnership is funded by Contra Costa County’s 2020 Measure X and provides much needed tech support that goes beyond what library staff can offer. Tech Exchange assistance is provided on a drop-in only basis, and no appointments are necessary.
Tech Exchange hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Pittsburg and Walnut Creek libraries and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the San Pablo Library.
Accessiblity: The county library system is dedicated to removing barriers to access, offering inclusive services and technology to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy its resources.
To accommodate diverse needs, every branch provides assistive technology such as handheld magnifiers, large-print keyboards, hearing loops and noise-reducing headphones. Sensory-friendly calming backpacks include items like fidget toys and sunglasses that can be used in the library to de-stress and soothe.
C-Pen readers that read printed text aloud in English or Spanish are available for loan, and select locations offer video magnifiers for in-library use. Homebound patrons receive free delivery of books and audiobooks, while Insiders programs offer people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to develop confidence navigating the library.
Finally, digital platforms like Libby and Kanopy include features like dyslexic fonts, captions and screen reader compatibility. Learn about these services and many more online at ccclib.org/accessibility.
YouTube channel: Each year, Contra Costa libraries offer hundreds of programs and events — most held in person. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, library system officials discovered the value of offering online programs for those who can’t always visit in person.
Today, the libraries continue to host dozens of virtual programs each month on topics like gardening, technology, personal development, elections, social issues, parenting and more. Because attending live sessions isn’t always easy, the library system shares recordings of these programs on its YouTube channel whenever possible.
In addition to recorded programs, the channel features book recommendations from staff, American Sign Language storytimes and three full seasons of video storytime. Visit youtube.com/user/theccclib (@theccclib) on YouTube to explore a wide range of valuable content.
Did You Know?: Filipino is one of the top non-English languages spoken at home in Contra Costa County. To reflect that vibrant community, the library system now has Filipino materials available to check out for kids and adults. Discover this collection and more at ccclib.org/community-languages.
NYT subscriptions: Enjoy complimentary access to the digital edition of The New York Times with your Contra Costa County Library card.
The library system now offers an expanded All Access subscription, which includes News, Audio, Cooking, Games, sports coverage from The Athletic and expert product reviews from Wirecutter. Visit the system’s Digital Resources page online at ccclib.org/resources for instructions on how to get started.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via email at ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-344-5524.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
Young Innovator Fair: 5 p.m. Aug. 7 at the San Ramon Library. This is your chance to experience hands-on activities led by talented youth in the community. From engineering challenges to art projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Conservation Ambassadors: 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Kensington Library. Don’t let summer end without seeing Animal Ambassadors’ Wild Things show. The show features live animals and will be on the lawn in front of the Kensington Community Center.
An Italian American Memory — Sunday Gravy: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the El Sobrante Library. Local culinary historian Robert Brower will trace the history of the recipe for The Sunday Sauce and explore the origin of Sunday Gravy. Along the way, he will share a few “secret” kitchen tricks.
Meditation for Balance & Inner Contentment: 6 p.m. Aug. 26 via Zoom. Meditation is the key to a more balanced life. Learn a simple and natural method of meditation that will help enhance your life. Please join long time meditator Bruce Faithwick for this powerful program. Registration is required.