Wimberley Village Library

I recently read an edition of Call Number; University of North Texas's College of Information magazine.  One article talked about digital natives:  individuals who were born and grew up with digital technologies.  They are highly fluent in techology and comfortable using digital information in their daily lives.  A digital immigrant, however, is one born prior to the existence of technology.

I can say for certain that I am a digital immigrant.  I had to jump in and learn how to use technology in order to function not only in my daily home life, but for my job.  My sons are digital natives.  They all grew up with mouses in their hands, portable game players and cell phones.

It really doesn't matter which one you are.  As long as you accept that technology is here to stay,as long as you lose your fear of it, and as long as you give it a fair try. you will do okay

What are you?  A digital native or a digital immigrant?

Wimberley Village Library is celebrating Library Lovers Month.  Why do you love our library?  Is it the free movies, books, magazines, programs, and Internet?  Is it the friendly Staff and Volunteers?  Let us know the next time you visit!

Last night, the library and our Friends presented a workshop on e readers and how to use the e readers with our digital consortium.  It was a wonderful turnout.  50 people showed up to learn how to use their devices.  One of our volunteers, Paula Conley, presented the following information at the beginning of the workshop.  It is mind-boggling: 

Forecast for the % of eBooks versus all books sold-

2011 - 15%

2012 - 20%

2015 - 40%

2020 - 60%

2025 (just 13 years from now) - 75%!!!

The digital age is here and here to stay.  We need to embrace it and learn it.  Most importantly, don't be afraid of it.  Books are here to stay.  The only thing that will change is the format in which we read them.

Wimberley Village Library is working on its second long range plan.  Like everything in life, change is inevitable, and change is happening at WVL!  There is a survey link posted on our website and inside the library.  Please fill one out.  Let us know what you think is important for the library and the next 5 years.

The Christmas Holiday is over.  Life is returning back to normal.  Are you thinking about New Year's resolutions?  I sure am.  Like many people, I plan to exercise more and eat healthier.  I also plan to have a more positive outlook on life.  Whatever your resolution(s) may be, I wish you luck and happiness in the New Year!

If I was the one answering this question, here is what I would say:

Not only does my library have interesting and educational books, it has DVDs and CDBs that I can check out.

My library has newspapers and magazines that I can use for free.

My library has 15 computers available for its patrons to use.  I can access the Internet for free!

My library has two youth programs each week and an adult program once a month that I can attend for free.

My library has a meeting space that I can use or my community organization can use for free.

If my library doesn't have an item that I want to use, I can pay a $2 mailing fee and order the item from another library through Interlibrary Loan.

If I need to make copies or print a document from a computer, I can do it at the library for 10 cents for black and white or 40 cent for color.

My library is very relevant.  Our community wouldn't be the same without it.

2011 is coming to a close.  Staff at the library look forward to the new year.  We are thinking about and making plans for new programs, new patron services, and collection development.  We will also embark on the creation of a new long-term plan for the library.  Like all libraries, our main goal is to provide top-notch services, programs, and collection items.  Our new plan will reinforce those goals.  If you have thoughts or opinions on how the staff can do better, please let us know.  A survey will be going out at the being of the year and your input will be greatly appreciated.

During this busy time of year, it is difficult to take time for yourself.  We are running around buying gifts for friends, neighbors, and family.  If you need to take a break and relax for just 15 minutes, come by the library!  We have magazines and newspapers for browsing.  We have DVDs to check out to take  home.  We even have Internet access if you want to take a few minutes to read your email.  If you are looking for a new recipe to cook for your holiday dinner, the library has a wide selection of cookbooks for you to take home.  Don't forget us this holiday season!

The Library is a place where I can

Invent

Study

Read for pleasure

Meet

Dream

See neighbors

Learn

Grow

Explore

Share ideas

Get ideas

Create ideas

Ask questions

Get answers

Talk to people with similar interests

Teach

Develop your mind

Find knowledge

Be inspired

Touch the past…and the future

Today a group of engineering students from Wimberley Highschool volunteered here at the library.  The students have been studying water conservation for the last six weeks and plan to share their knowledge to the community. The Wimberley Garden Club donated $500 to purchase the system and the students will build and install it. The water system will provide water to keep our plantings and grass alive.  How great is that?!  This group of students will come back in the spring to landscape the area with plants that were propogated by the Garden Club members.  Thank you, Denise Jackson, the students engineering teacher and President of the Garden Club, for giving the library this wonderful gift.