Your Library = Access to Technology and Life-long Learning Opportunities

One of the best services the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) offers is the shared library collection that all patrons have access to. Did you know that through the WCCLS system, our 263,000+ library card holders have access to over 1.6 million books and other materials? That’s the equivalent of about five Beaverton Main Library collections.

In addition to the shared library collection WCCLS and its 15 member libraries offer 375 public access computers and free WiFi that people use for job searches, email communication, checking in with the home office, studying for job exams, or completing online courses. Member libraries offer technology assistance for all members of our community. Examples of learning opportunities include library workshops (resume writing, computer skills), research databases and online tools such as Oregon Career Information System, Learning Express Library, Reference USA. And with WCCLS member libraries open up to 359 days per year they also offer access to meeting space – free, safe, neutral public space for meeting with clients or study groups or doing market research.

In the spring of 2015 WCCLS conducted a survey of 4,478 people to better understand how community members use and benefit from free access to computers and the Internet through their public libraries. Of the total survey participants who reported visiting the library in the past year, 59%, or 2,623 people, reported that they had used a public access computer or the library's wireless network during their visits. In fact, the survey revealed that access to library technology helped Washington County Residents in multiple ways. According to Eva Calcagno, WCCLS Director, “82% of respondents believed library technology access was important for their communities and one out of five WCCLS computer users made use of this resource for their employment or job searches.”

The same can be said for the monthly offering of hundreds of literary, career and cultural programs presented throughout the WCCLS member libraries. From visits by Acclaimed Authors to learning the Basics of Going Solar or hands-on assistance with Computer Skill Development – there is sure to be a local library-based program or service that will meet the interests of the nearly 3.9 million visitors our libraries welcome each year.

These are just a few of the reasons why maintaining resources for job-seekers and expanding the purchase of books, e-books and other materials are a core-component within Measure 34-235 – the replacement levy for countywide library services on the November 3 ballot (www.wccls.org/levy).

Following is a brief sample of upcoming programs and services designed for the adults in our communities. Additional services can be found on the libraries events calendar (www.wccls.org/calendar).

Classes & workshops:

BEAVERTON CITY LIBRARY
Seismic Retrofitting: Sat., Oct. 24, 1- 3 p.m. Learn the basics of installing a residential seismic retrofit.
Encore Entrepreneurship: Wed., Oct. 28, 6 p.m. Turn your professional experience or hobby into an encore career!

CEDAR MILL COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Basics of Going Solar: Sun., Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Presented by Solar Oregon and Energy Trust of Oregon. Registration required.

CEDAR MILL COMMUNITY LIBRARY@ BETHANY
Open Computer Lab: Thurs., weekly, 9 - 10 a.m. Drop by for help with your tablet, downloading e-books and more.

CORNELIUS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Computer Help (Bilingual): Wed., weekly, 5:30 p.m. Computer help on library computers or yours.

FOREST GROVE CITY LIBRARY
Writing Workshop with Writers in the Grove: 2nd Sat., monthly, 10:30 a.m. Designed for all experience levels.

NORTH PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Writers’ Group: 1st Thurs., monthly, 6:30 p.m. Share your writing projects and receive feedback from peers.

TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Can I Recycle That? Recycling and Sustainability: Wed., Nov. 4, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Reduce, reuse and lighten your footprint.

Arts & Culture:

FOREST GROVE CITY LIBRARY
Friends of the Library Cultural Series: 1st Tues., monthly, 7 p.m. Nov. 3: Leah Stenson – Japanese Poetry and Dec. 1: Nathan Palmer – Coffees of the World

TUALATIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Classical Guitarist Peter Fletcher: Tues., Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Diverse music program including Bach’s Third Lute Suite and more.

Book, Film, Poetry & Discussion Groups:

BEAVERTON CITY LIBRARY
Crazy 8s Author Tour: Thurs., Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Eight published Oregon authors speak for eight minutes each. Enjoy this engaging and fast-paced event.

HILLSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Hillsboro READS: Series of October events surrounding author Harper Lee’s books To Kill a Mockingbird (and film screenings), Go Set a Watchman; author Marja Mills The Mockingbird Next Door.

TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Holocaust Remembrance on the 77th Anniversary of Kristallnacht: Mon., Nov. 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Witness local Holocaust survivors speak about experiences under Nazi persecution.

TUALATIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Soup and Books: Thurs., Oct. 29, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Author Maggie Stuckey discusses books as we enjoy free soup from New Seasons.
Exit Wounds: Soldiers’ Stories – Life after Iraq and Afghanistan: Sat., Nov. 14, 2 p.m. Book of 50 oral histories will be discussed by the author.

For additional information about Measure 34-235 please visit www.wccls.org/levy.