Downloadable Audio Books Are Back ~ Just Download And Go!

This holiday season audio book lovers will want to explore the Library’s digital audio books service which allows subscribers to download audio files to their computer from the convenience of their home. Holiday travelers and commuters will appreciate the ability to easily and conveniently transfer the files to their portable MP3 devices and with the proper adapter – available for loan at the library- play them through the car’s FM receiver. Digital audio books can be checked-out for three weeks and automatically expire when the item is due, so there are never any late charges. The collection currently offers access to over 1000 titles, including current, popular fiction and non-fiction, the bible, the Pimsleur foreign language instruction series, as well as over 350 children and young adult titles. All titles are searchable through the Library’s online catalog.

Advances in library technology make it possible to offer services which are instantly available at all times, providing a rich array of content delivered electronically whenever and wherever a user needs it. And digital content offers distinct advantages over traditional CDs and Books-on-tape. For one thing, it’s no longer necessary to fumble with multiple discs or tapes. Now the entire book can be transferred to a device no bigger than a deck of cards. With downloadable audio books every title is always available – no holds or reserves, and you can’t lose or damage a digital file.

To get started using the collection and create an account click here. After you setup your account with Netlibrary you will see the New Canaan Library’s collection. At this point you may begin searching the collection and downloading your audio book titles.

You can checkout up to six titles at a time. The loan period is 21 days after which time the license will expire and the file will become inactive. At this point you can simply drag the file to the recycle bin on your computer to discard. Titles may be renewed once for an additional 21 days. Audio books which are checked out cannot be checked back in.

Once the titles are downloaded, they can then be played on your computer or transferred to a total of two compatible MP3 devices, with the exception of the Apple IPOD which currently is not supported by this service. The Library also loans compatible MP3 devices and wireless adapters for the car.

You can stay abreast of these developments and other trends by subscribing to the library’s e-newsletter – visit http://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/ to subscribe or call the Library at 203-594-5003 for more information.

Playaway Audio Books

Have you tried the newest electronic gadget at the Library? It is an audio book in one little box. You do not have to wrestle with 6 - 24 cassettes, or try to read the numbers on the different discs that come in Books on Tape or Books on CD. You can not misplace a tape or disc. It is all contained in one little box measuring 2" by 3 1/2 ". We have provided lanyards so they can be worn around your neck. Add your headphones (or buy earbuds from us for $1) and off you go on your errands or for a walk or just around the house. We even provide a spare battery. There are classic titles from Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Edgar Allen Poe as well as current best sellers like Marley & Me, Patterson's Beach Road, and Tyler's Digging to America. There are also Playaways to help you learn French, Spanish, German or Italian. Currently there are 56 titles with more arriving each month. These definitely rank high on the "cool" factor scale! Click here for a complete list: Playaway.

Cyber Security: Make it a habit

There are lots of ways to protect yourself and your computer from cyber threats. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) found in a recent survey that 80% of U.S. consumers do not secure their computers properly, leaving themselves vulnerable to identity thieves and hackers. At the very minimum everyone needs to have a firewall installed on their computer and anti-spyware and adware programs. These programs must be updated regularly. Wireless computer users need to secure their computers to prevent other persons from using their wireless access and their information. More information about securing your computer can be found on the Microsoft website at microsoft.com/issues and on the National Cyber Security Alliance website.
Stay safe and make it a habit!

New: printers, classes, election websites

New at the Library is a Dell color Laser printer for printing color photos and pictures, powerpoint presentations, reports and publisher brochures. Prints are $.50 each. To use the color printer click File, then Print. Change the printer to Dell Color, and print. The printer is located on the Reference Desk and prints must be paid for at the time of printing.

With Election season upon us, the Library has created a list of useful websites for those wishing to learn more about candidates and the statements they make. Click on Research and then Law, Government and Politics to find websites like Factcheck.org which investigates statements made by candidates on various issues. Votesmart, Politics1 and All politics are full of information about candidates all across the nation. There are also links to State party websites, representatives and to the Gallup and Quinnipiac Polls. Be an informed voter.

The Library is offering 2 new classes on Buying and Selling on eBay. Classes will be taught by Tom Greenbaum of Con$ign-net on Saturdays October 28 and November 4 from 10 a.m.- 12.
For a complete list of November and December computer classes and to register click here.

Computer & Internet Classes Begin in September

The Library will resume its very popular Computer and Internet classes after a brief summer hiatus. Classes range from basic mouse skills to advanced searching, blogging and email. We will offer two new classes this fall: Dive into the Web ~ Morningstar stocks & Mutual Funds, an in-depth look at how you can use this powerful database to find information about specific stocks or mutual funds, create your own portfolio or choose investments; and Dive into the Web ~ D&B Million Dollar Business Directory: Total U.S., where you will learn how to locate a company, create lists of companies by location, size or type or sort to find human resources or other personnel.

Click here to view the September/October schedule of classes. To reserve a seat please call the Information Department at 203-594-5003 or click here to register online. All classes take place in the Library's Tech Center, begin at 9:30 am, and are free and open to the public.

And Please Lets Hear From You
Have you taken a class with us? If yes, let us know what you thought or how we might have improved the experience. And we would really like to know what classes you would like to see at the Library (e.g. How to Choose a New Computer, Digital Photography, Designing a Website, etc).

The Library's Wireless Network

General Information

• The Library offers wireless access through out the building
• The wireless network is free and open to all visitors
• The network uses the WI-FI standard known as 802.11G at speeds up to 54/mbps (speeds may vary depending on location and number of users connected to the network
• Users must abide by the Library's Policy for Internet & Computer Use
• Printers are not available on the wireless network at this time

Security

• Since the Library's wireless network is not secured, users are advised to use caution when transmitting sensitive information as the potential exists for data to be captured, altered or monitored
• It is the sole responsibility of the user to provide up-to-date antivirus protection and other appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within the Library and on the Internet itself
• Wireless access in the Children's room is filtered

Welcome to the Library's Technology Blog

Technology abounds at the New Canaan Library. Our Tech Center with 17 PC workstations offers high-speed fiberoptic access to the Internet as well as laser and color printing, scanning, and a full array of software applications including Microsoft Office and Publisher. But did you know that we also have a wireless network, that we loan a laptop computer, wireless adapters, MP3 players and jump drives? Well we do.

We hope you will use this blog as a way to stay current and informed about all the new technology the Library offers. So visit us often and by all means lets us know your thoughts and suggestions.