New Program: Call the Tech Pro!

 

Heathy Aging Martha's Vineyard has announced a new program to provide Vineyard residents age 60 and over with a tech pro who can come to your house to provide in-person tech support. Great for issues such as: setting up a new smart phone, if you are locked out of your accounts, or think you have been hacked. If your computer is old or doesn't work, the tech pro will help diagnose the problem and recommend the next step. This service is free thanks to a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and in conjunction with all four Island Councils of Aging. To get on the list for Call the Tech Pro, please call 508-693-7900 x.246 or email Cindy Trish at ctrish@hamv.org. 

Meet the new CLAMS Library Network app!

Have you missed having an app to access your CLAMS account, place holds and check out e-materials? The wait is over! Find our new app in Google Play or the Apple App Store by searching for "CLAMS Library Network" and download today!

Use the new app to:

• Manage your account
• Create and view lists
• View hours & contact info
• Search the collection
• Browse and discover
• Check out e-content *

...and more!

* The CLAMS "Libby" app will still be available for selecting and reading eBooks and other downloadable content!

CLAMS Network Library App Disabled, Libby eBook App Unaffected

 Important Update About CLAMS App

The Mobile App for the Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing (CLAMS) network has been disabled



Unfortunately, the "Capira" app for the CLAMS consortium has been disabled due to technical issues. Patrons are advised to remove the app from phones and other portable devices, as it may give inaccurate information. In the meantime, please use our online catalog by clicking HERE while CLAMS seeks a replacement. 

The Libby App for Library eBooks and eAudiobooks from Overdrive is not affected by this change.

Rescheduled! Protect Your Digital Legacy

 [In-Person] 1 pm - 2:30 pm Tuesday May 9th

Leave Your Digital Legacy, with Paul Gentile of Senior2Senior

This workshop will encompass preparing, protecting, and passing on one of your most important possessions: your digital legacy. Topics will include protecting your digital (online) assets, organizing, protecting, and sharing your irreplaceable photos, and creating and preserving our wishes, values, history, and beliefs (memory books and legacy letters.) 

The class will be led by Senior2Senior instructor Paul Gentile, whose career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation focused in the areas of strategic planning and IT. While in upstate New York, he worked at Cornell University and helped establish their first digital archiving conservation project before moving to an administrative position in the School of Engineering. A Cape Cod resident since 1999, he has worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in IT. Most recently, he held the position of Energy Coordinator for the Town of Falmouth where he still coordinates various energy-related projects. He has taught classes at WHOI, the Oak Bluffs Public Library, Mashpee Senior Center, Falmouth New Comers Club, Falmouth Community School,  Barnstable Senior Center and the Town of Falmouth. 

This in-person event will take place at the Vineyard Haven Library, lower level.

Sponsored by the Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury, and Chilmark Public Libraries.

Contact Amcdonough@clamsnet.org  for more information.

Senior2Senior: Protect Your Digital Legacy (In-person class)

 

[In-Person] 10:30 am Thursday March 30th
Leave Your Legacy, with Paul Gentile of Senior2Senior

This workshop will encompass preparing, protecting, and passing on one of your most important possessions: your digital legacy. Topics will include protecting your digital (online) assets, organizing, protecting, and sharing your irreplaceable photos, and creating and preserving our wishes, values, history, and beliefs (memory books and legacy letters.) 

The class will be led by Senior2Senior instructor Paul Gentile, whose career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation focused in the areas of strategic planning and IT. While in upstate New York, he worked at Cornell University and helped establish their first digital archiving conservation project before moving to an administrative position in the School of Engineering. A Cape Cod resident since 1999, he has worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in IT. Most recently, he held the position of Energy Coordinator for the Town of Falmouth where he still coordinates various energy-related projects. He has taught classes at WHOI, the Oak Bluffs Public Library, Mashpee Senior Center, Falmouth New Comers Club, Falmouth Community School,  Barnstable Senior Center and the Town of Falmouth. 

This in-person event will take place at the Vineyard Haven Library, lower level.

Sponsored by the Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury, and Chilmark Public Libraries.

Contact Amcdonough@clamsnet.org  for more information.

Changes Coming to your CLAMS Account February 24th - 27th

 

Vineyard Haven Library and the CLAMS Library Network will be switching to a new software system on Monday February 27th. This will include a new online catalog that library patrons will use to search for books and other items, place holds and requests, and renew items online. 

The CLAMS Libraries have selected a new user-friendly catalog designed to make it easier than ever to find and borrow materials from the library! This powerful new search engine includes features like predictive search text, curated lists, personalized recommendations, and greater control over your user account.

Data migration will take place Friday February 24th through Sunday February 26th

During migration, library users will be temporarily unable to:

• Renew or request items through the CLAMS Catalog or Commonwealth Catalog
• Checkout items in Overdrive/Libby App (on Sunday)
• Access some other digital library resources

Vineyard Haven Library will be open regular hours on Friday and Saturday, but since our system will be down during migration, please bring your library card if you wish to checkout materials. The Library will be closed for the day on Sunday February 26th.

The library will not be checking in materials during the migration, but no late fees will accrue on items returned during migration– all Martha’s Vineyard libraries are always fine free!

The new “Aspen Discovery” catalog goes live on Monday February 27th:

• The web address will stay the same, library.clamsnet.org. 
• The PIN/password you use to access your CLAMS account online will change to the last four digits of the phone number on your CLAMS account. On February 27th and after you can reset your PIN to the number or password you prefer to use.
• If you checkout eBooks using Overdrive or Libby apps, you will need to re-enter your new password the first time you checkout.
• If you have opted in to save your reading history in the current CLAMs catalog, your reading history will be transferred to the new system, however you will need to “opt in” again, and your history may not be transferred immediately.

If you have any issues with accessing your new account or have questions about migration, please give us a call at (508) 696-4210, or email vhpl_mail@clamsnet.org

For more information including frequently asked questions, visit info.clamsnet.org

We appreciate your patience during this transition!

Schedule Updates for February: Late Opening 2/16, Closed 2/20 & 2/26

Program Cancellations: Storytime is cancelled this Monday February 13th. Join us instead for Storytime with Emily on Tuesday at 10:30am. Yoga is also cancelled this Monday.

Vineyard Haven Library will OPENING LATE @1PM on Thursday, February 16th, due to staff training. Hours that day will be 1-6pm.

The Library will be CLOSED for the holiday on Monday, February 20th, and CLOSED due to software migration on Sunday February 26th. 

On Monday, February 27th, the CLAMS library network will launch a new enhanced online public library catalog called Aspen Discovery. Library patrons may need to update their CLAMS password on Monday in order to access their online account and checkout eBooks in the Libby app.

For more information on the new ASPEN CLAMS Catalog, visit our FAQ page:

https://info.clamsnet.org/new-catalog-coming-soon/

New CLAMS Online Catalog Experience Coming Soon!

 

CLAMS Libraries will soon unveil a new catalog. 

We are moving to the Aspen Discovery platform to enhance and enrich your experience.

Aspen makes searching for books and resources easier, pulling all library resources together in one search. Patrons can create and share lists of materials and online content or peruse curated lists created by their local library staff. Readers can easily find a title in every format available, read book reviews, and even rate items and see how others rated them. If a book or other item is unavailable, a “While you wait” feature offers suggestions for similar titles. These are examples of the many features in Aspen.

The CLAMS Aspen Discovery catalog will launch on February 27th. 

For more information visit our FAQ page:

https://info.clamsnet.org/new-catalog-coming-soon/

Visit the Library to see a demo version of Aspen!

Senior2Senior Google Workspace Training Class

 [In-person] 1-3 pm Sunday February 19th

Google Workspace: Addressing Sole Proprietorships and Small Businesses

This Senior2Senior class will show how Google Workspace (and its integrated apps) can support your business without breaking the bank.

As a small business owner, you’re used to juggling lots of different tasks. One minute you’re emailing a customer, the next, you’re scheduling a series of meetings. With the right digital tools, you can streamline tasks so you can focus on the work that matters most to your business.

What makes Google Workspace effective for small businesses is how the different apps are connected and work together. For example, with your email, calendar, and video chat all connected, you can easily schedule meetings, send invites, sync calendars, present over the video, and more. 

You can easily extend Google Workspace to meet your team’s unique digital marketing needs in the areas of:
- Personalized email campaigns
- Announce your internet presence
- Create a website
- Use Slide to present your products
- Survey your customers
- Collect customer feedback
- Develop marketing materials
- Collaborate with your team online
- Secure backup and security

This exciting opportunity will be led by Paul Gentile, whose career at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation focused in the areas of strategic planning and IT. While in upstate New York, he worked at Cornell University and helped establish their first digital archiving conservation project before moving to an administrative position in the School of Engineering. A Cape Cod resident since 1999, he has worked at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in IT. Most recently, he held the position of Energy Coordinator for the Town of Falmouth where he still coordinates various energy-related projects. He has taught classes at WHOI, the Oak Bluffs Public Library, Mashpee Senior Center, Falmouth New Comers Club, Falmouth Community School,  Barnstable Senior Center and the Town of Falmouth. 

This program will take place in the Program Room (lower level) at the VHPL and is co-sponsored with the Chilmark Public Library. To register or for more information, contact Program Coordinator Anne McDonough at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 

Free Access to LinkedIn Learning Online Training Resource

 

Anyone who lives, resides part-time to attend school, owns property, or works in Massachusetts can access additional Boston Public Library's online resources by registering for a BPL eCard. Online eCard registration is easy and free, and provides access to all of thelibrary's digital resources including LinkedIn Learning.

LinkedIn Learning is a premier online learning resource featuring 16,000 courses from recognized experts in their fields, covering software, technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, career development, and more. Learning is self-paced and courses and tutorials are broken up into short videos, so it’s easy to squeeze in just a few minutes of learning a day if that’s all the time you have. Courses are offered in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese.

To use the free collection of LinkedIn Learning courses, do not visit LinkedIn Learning directly. Always follow links from bpl.org to access the subscription portal. LinkedIn Learning requires that users be at least 16 years old, but a public LinkedIn profile is not required for access.

LinkedIn Learning can also be used on your mobile device with an app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. When you sign in on the app, don't enter your email. Click "Sign in with your library card" instead. When asked for the Library ID, enter bostonpubliclibrary (all one word) so LinkedIn knows you're a BPL user, then log in with your library card and PIN.

Access LinkedIn Learning on the BPL website:
https://www.bpl.org/learning-tools/online-courses/

Tackle Technology in August!

 

[In-person, at Oak Bluffs Library] 
Tackle Technology
Saturdays in August, 10 am -11 am

Tackle Technology on three Saturdays in August, with Paul Gentile of Senior2Senior, devoted to teaching technology to seniors. Classes are instructional, no devices necessary.

Pre-register for one or all three of these Saturday morning classes at the Oak Bluffs Library. This is a collaborative program between the Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven Public Libraries to help people feel more comfortable with technology.

• Saturday August 6th, 10 am : How to purchase a Computer : Chromebook, laptop, tablet, or smartphone — what do you need?
• Saturday August 13th, 10 am : Preserving Your Digital Assets : organize your family’s most important information – from finances to traditions – so you are prepared no matter what happens. 
• Saturday August 20th, 10 am : Organize and protect your photos – learn how to share and store them with software recommendations. 

Class size is limited, please contact Anne McDonough to register amcdonough@clamsnet.org or call 508-696-4211 extension 116.

Universal Class Online Learning On-Demand

 

Vineyard Haven Library cardholders have unlimited free access to the online resource Universal Class, the place to continue your education online and fulfill lifelong learning goals. All courses are designed and led by professional instructors and include videos, assignments, quizzes, tests, and options for social media interaction with other learners. Users can take as many classes as they would like and complete classes at their own pace.​

Features:

• 500+ online lifelong learning and continuing education courses in over 30 subject areas for adults.
• Topics include computer training, accounting & bookkeeping, basic math and writing, do-it-yourself
• Accredited CEUs for professional development on select courses
• Self-paced, easy-to-use, 24/7 access – learn anything, anytime and anywhere
• Supports assessments for the serious student or a view only version for the casual learner

Libby eBooks & eAudio Virtual Patron Training

 

10 am Monday July 12th
Libby eBooks & eAudio Virtual Patron Training

Experts from OverDrive are coming to help you access our library’s digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks through the free Libby app!

If you haven’t used the FREE Libby app yet to borrow digital titles from our library, join at 10:00 to learn how to Get Started with Libby. This virtual session will get you up to speed on everything you need to know to get started with Libby, including:

• Finding your library and signing in
• Navigating the app
• Browsing and searching for titles
• Borrowing titles and placing holds
• Managing notifications
• And much more

Want to learn the experts’ favorite tips and tricks? Join us at 10:45 for the Libby Deep Dive session, where OverDrive experts will show you how to get even more out of our Digital Collection.

Just have a few minutes? Want to ask the experts a few questions? Joe and Marissa have an open period at 10:35 (following Getting Started and before the Deep Dive) to chat!

CLICK HERE to Register for this free event:
http://bit.ly/vineyardhaventrain

Chromebooks & Hotspots Now Available to Borrow

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is now loaning out Chromebooks to patrons for one-week periods. Chromebooks are web-based laptops that enable you create documents using your own Google Suite/Gmail account. You can also browse the web without a Gmail account or access webmail through other Internet Service Providers. You will need to have an Internet connection in order to use a Chromebook, so if you don't have one, you may want to also borrow one of the library's Wifi hotspots.

Chromebook borrowers must be 18 years or older (or have a parent or guardian borrow on his or her behalf) with a library card in good standing and must sign a user agreement assuming responsibility for the device. If you are not familiar with Chromebooks, we would be happy to give you a brief lesson on the basics. For any questions or to place a hold on a Chromebook, please contact Ruth Konigsberg at 508-696-4211 x115 or rkonigsberg@clamsnet.org. 

WiFi Hotspots Now Available to Borrow!

Vineyard Haven library is now lending out WiFi hotspots to patrons for two-week loan periods. WiFi hotspots are portable devices that allow you to connect to the Internet through your phone, laptop or tablet. Multiple devices in the same household can use WiFi hotspots, and you can also take them with you wherever you go (although not outside the continental U.S.!) If you’ve never used a hotspot before, we will be happy to instruct you on the basics.

Vineyard Haven library cardholders may contact the library to request a hotspot. Please note that you will be asked to fill out a user agreement before checking out the hotspot. Hotspots are non-renewable and must be returned in person to an employee at the library. Please do not place them in the book drop! Questions? Call or email Reference Librarian Ruth Konigsberg at 508-696-4211 x115.

In addition to hotspots the library has other equipment you can borrow, including a digital projector, and Kindle Paperwhite eReaders that come preloaded with popular books! We'll be adding additional hotspots soon, along with Chromebook computers to use at home.

Library Can Print Documents for CLAMS Cardholders

Library computers are not available for public use, however the library can now print documents for patrons to pick up during scheduled pickup hours. Send the document you would like to have printed to vhpl_mail@clamsnet.org as an email attachment. Please include your name, phone number, and CLAMS card number in the email. Library staff will contact you to schedule pickup when your printout is ready.

Printing charges of 25 cents per page will be added to your CLAMS account, and may be paid by check mailed to the library, or in-person when the library building reopens in the future. If you do not have a CLAMS account, you can register for a temporary card here: https://library.clamsnet.org/selfreg

Introducing the New CLAMS Library App!

CLAMS is proud to introduce the new CLAMS Library Network app! Available for iOS and Android, this app has a broad range of features and functions that will make your library experience a whole lot simpler.

Our app makes it easy to browse our collection, get details on items, make a selection, place a hold for later pickup, and even renew items previously checked out. You can check out eBooks and eAudiobooks with the touch of a button, then listen to them in the Libby or OverDrive app.

If you’re on the go and searching for the nearest CLAMS library, check out the Library Info feature, which shows location addresses and hours nearest to you with links to their websites. We’ve also added our Featured Lists so you can browse Top Requests, Coming Soon titles or New York Times Bestsellers and request the ones you want.

The Manage Accounts tool lets you add multiple library cards — a great feature for families! Don’t have a library card? Request one through the app.

Available now in the App Store and Google Play

Search for the CLAMS Library Network to download to your mobile device.

This app replaces the current app which is no longer supported as of May 1

Check out eBooks From OverDrive Partner Libraries

Did you know that the CLAMS Library Network has reciprocal lending agreements with seven other Massachusetts library networks?  These agreements allow CLAMS patrons to use their CLAMS card to check out content from the other networks' digital catalogs -- a combined collection of over 350,000 titles!

Lending periods, as well as limits on the number of loans and holds, follow each network’s rules. When fulfilling holds, priority is given to members of the home network -- for instance, CLAMS card holders are given priority for holds on items in the CLAMS digital catalog.

Here is how it works:

From a computer:

• Visit the CLAMS OverDrive catalog at: https://clamsnet.overdrive.com
• At the top of the screen you will find a link to "Partner Libraries."
• Select one of the partner library networks from the list.
• From the partner library home screen choose "Sign In," select "CLAMS Library Patrons," and enter your CLAMS card number and PIN.
• You can now search and check out materials from the partner library just as you do from the CLAMS OverDrive catalog!
• To return items early, request renewals, or manage holds, you must sign in to your Account page on the lending network's OverDrive website. For example:  items borrowed through SAILS will not appear on your Account page on the CLAMS OverDrive website.

From the Libby mobile app:

• Tap on the Libby icon at the top right of the homescreen.
• Select "Add a Library" or select an already saved library from the list.
• Search for one of the following:  Boston Public Library, Minuteman, CW MARS, Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, NOBLE, OCLN or SAILS.
• When asked to add a library card, choose "I'm visiting From Another Library."  Choose "CLAMS Library Network." Enter your CLAMS card number and PIN.
• You can now search and check out materials from the partner library just as you do from the CLAMS OverDrive catalog
• Your Shelf displays all of your loans, holds, and tags from any network and library card added. You can completely manage or edit loans, holds, and tags from this one location.
• Each entry on your Shelf also indicates which network you borrowed that item from. The lending library network is marked by a square "gem" with their library network brand colors.

Get an ecard, get an ebook

If you don't have a library card you can apply online and get instant access to our eBook collection. If you haven't used your card recently and it has expired, send us an email at vhpl_mail@clamsnet.org

If you don’t yet have a CLAMS library card, you can now register online and start downloading ebooks or use databases immediately. Here’s how:

You will need a computer or cell phone and access to your email account.

1. Go to https://library.clamsnet.org/selfreg

2. Fill out the form and submit. The screen will refresh, with your name, new card number and username. Print the info, take a screenshot or jot down your new card number – you’ll need it in just a moment.

3. Click the link in the first bullet point to log in and create a PIN/Password:
Login to My Account and establish a PIN (Password) Scroll down to and click Did you forget your PIN/Password? Enter your new card number.

4. Check your email for a link to set your PIN/Password.

Your ecard will now be valid until June 30th and will give you access to materials at OverDrive for eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines (when asked for your library, select “CLAMS Library Patrons”). It also includes all Massachusetts Library Database. Individually owned library databases such as Kanopy are not included. Please visit your local CLAMS library with a photo ID before June 30th to upgrade to a regular card with full privileges.

If you will be using your phone or an eReader, we suggest you download the Libby App.

New “Creative Station” for Entrepreneurs & Creatives

 
Do you want to sharpen your skills in design, video editing, or photography? Are you a small business owner or self-employed artist? Save money on expensive software and use Adobe Creative Cloud suite at the Vineyard Haven Public Library for free! The Vineyard Haven Public Library’s Creative Station is located on the lower level of the library and is a self-directed learning space. Library customers can now save money on Adobe subscription prices and get free access to Adobe's popular apps and services for video, design, photography and web design. The free software includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premier Pro, After Effects and Lightroom.

Beginners to Adobe Creative Cloud can view Adobe workbooks in the library to get acquainted with the software. Vineyard Haven Public Library customers can also use their Vineyard Haven Library card to take free online Adobe courses through Universal Class.

Please call the Reference Desk 508-696-4210 or email vhpl_questions@clamsnet.org to reserve your time slot. Reservations can be made up to one week ahead of time. A library card may be required. A full description of policies can be viewed on the library’s website: http://www.vhlibrary.org/creative.shtml