New Wireless Internet

Towanda Public Library Posted on by

Towanda Public Library now has wireless internet set up, so if you want to bring your laptop in and relax in our adult reading area, we’re ready for you.

Our internet policy enfolds the new wireless set-up.  Read the following internet policy points (3 and 4) to clarify any questions about usage.  Also feel free to ask if you have any questions, or if you’d like to see the entire policy.

3.  Eligibility

Any adult patron (eighteen (18) years of age or older) in good standing with the Library is allowed to use the Library’s public computers.  Children under the age of eighteen (18) may use the Library computers only with signed permission from a parent.  “Good standing” is defined as no overdue books, unpaid fines, or other outstanding issues with the Library.

4.  Internet User Responsibilities

            A.  Users shall:

  1. Respect the legal protection provided by copyright license to software, books, articles and other electronic files.
  2. Respect the privacy of others.
  3. Download files from a Web site directly to any supported portable storage media.
  4. Use the library’s computer for social networking and interactive gaming.

            B.  Users shall not:

  1. Access illegal Internet sites defined by state and federal laws.
  2. Access web pages or sites that contain materials that are defined in Kansas statutes as “harmful to minors (KSA 21-4301c) or “obscene” (KSA 21-4301).
  3. Gain or try to gain unauthorized access to restricted resources or entities.
  4. “Hack into or interfere” with other users, system operations, integrity or security of the library computer system or any other computer system.
  5. Attempt to gain access to another person’s files or passwords.
  6. Intentionally obtain copies or modify files, passwords, or data that belong to the Library or its users.
  7. Harass other with messages, prints, images, and cyber bullying or software programs.
  8. Use inappropriate language or images in any way.
  9. Load or run any software other than what resides on the Library’s computers.
  10. Tamper with, mishandle, damage or attempt to damage computer hardware or software.
  11. Access a non-library wireless network while on library premises.
  12. Interfere with, deliberately attempt to circumvent, or tamper with the filtering software.
  13. Use the Library’s computers for gambling, gaming, or social networking is prohibited.

Your Brain on Fiction

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Just in case you didn’t think you were learning anything when you read a novel, the New York Times recently ran an article on the neuroscience of fiction.

“AMID the squawks and pings of our digital devices, the old-fashioned virtues of reading novels can seem faded, even futile. But new support for the value of fiction is arriving from an unexpected quarter: neuroscience.

“Brain scans are revealing what happens in our heads when we read a detailed description, an evocative metaphor or an emotional exchange between characters. Stories, this research is showing, stimulate the brain and even change how we act in life. “

Click here to read the rest of the article.

New Space at the Library

Towanda Public Library Posted on by

Come by the library this week and see our new space over in the Middle Grade/ Young Adult collection:

I’m a big believer in rearranging to freshen up a space, and I love the way this worked.  More light comes in through the windows.  Our rotating collection is more accessible.  And my favorite feature is a new display area for books.  So be sure to come in this week if you need a recommendation for a new series to read.

Don’t forget, this Wednesday, March 14th is the last story time for our Early Literacy Program.  We’ll still have story time next week, but this will be the last week for this program, and there’s a special giveaway, so don’t miss it!