Adults

April is citizen science month! Citizen science is public involvement in the inquiry and discovery of new scientific knowledge. Community science, participatory research, DIY science, crowdsourcing, and public engagement in scientific research, among others, are also terms used to describe this movement. A citizen science project can involve one person or millions of people collaborating toward a common goal. Millions of citizen scientists are accelerating many areas of scientific research.

Since April is Citizen Science Month, it is a perfect time to get started. This is easy to do because of the website www.SciStarter.org which organizes thousands of projects within their portal. This may sound overwhelming, but it is well organized. They feature several projects on their home page, to give you an idea what kind of things are available. You decide how much time to spend on a project and when it is convenient for you to participate. You are asked to create an account; this helps you keep track of your activities. Once you log on then you can use the search box to type in keywords related to your interests. The Project Finder uses several parameters to help you refine your search. If needed, tutorials are included to explain the protocols. Some projects, such as FoldIt have been crafted into game-like activities. Projects vary wildly but many are trying to make information accessible and digital. The Smithsonian has thousands of hand-written records that they need transcribed so they can become searchable. These could include ship logs, plant tags or letters. Whatever your interests there is a citizen science project waiting for you!

The benefits of Citizen Science:

• Allows people with diverse motivations to participate in science.
• Broadens the scope of who can contribute to science and provides a pathway for introducing new processes, observations, data, and epistemologies to science.
• Provides an opportunity for participants to learn about data, data analysis, and interpretation of data.

Welcome to National Library Week, a time when communities across the nation join hands to celebrate the cornerstone of knowledge, inspiration, and community: libraries. At Handley Regional Library System, we're thrilled to be part of this annual celebration, and we invite you to join us in commemorating the incredible contributions libraries make to our lives. This year's theme, "Ready, Set, Library!" embodies the excitement and readiness to explore the myriad offerings libraries provide. Here are ten ways you can celebrate National Library Week with us:

1. Visit Your Local Library: Step into the welcoming embrace of your local library. Whether it's to check out a book, attend an event, or simply bask in the quiet ambiance, your presence is what makes our library truly special.

2. Attend an Event: Dive into the diverse array of events happening at the library. From author talks and workshops to book clubs and children's storytimes, there's something for everyone. Bring a friend or family member along for an enriching experience.

3. Explore New Books: Take a leisurely stroll through the stacks and discover your next literary adventure. Whether you're into fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels, our shelves are brimming with stories waiting to be uncovered.

4. Get a Library Card: If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to sign up for a library card. Gain access to a treasure trove of resources, from books and e-books to online databases and educational tools, all for free!

5. Share Your Library Love: Spread the word about the magic of libraries by sharing your experiences on social media. Use the hashtag #loveHRL to join the conversation and inspire others to explore all that libraries have to offer.

6. Support Library Funding: Advocate for the importance of libraries in your community. Whether it's attending town hall meetings, writing to elected officials, or simply talking to your neighbors, raising awareness about the value of libraries is essential for their continued success.

7. Volunteer Your Time: Consider giving back to your local library by volunteering your time and skills. Whether it's shelving books, leading a workshop, or helping with community outreach, your contributions make a difference.

8. Explore Our eLibrary: Can't make it to the library in person? No problem! Dive into our eLibrary, where you can access a wealth of resources from the comfort of your own home. Explore databases covering a wide range of topics and dive into eBooks, movies, and audiobook right from your device at home. Our eLibrary is accessible anytime, anywhere, making it easier than ever to tap into the resources and services your library has to offer. Check out our website for a full list of eLibrary offerings and start exploring today!.

9. Purchase Books at Our Used Book Sale: Join us for our annual used book sale at Bowman Library from April 13th to April 15th to April 19th. Discover hidden literary gems while supporting your library. Every purchase helps fund our programs and services for the community.

10. Say Thank You: Last but certainly not least, take a moment to express gratitude to the library staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make our library a vibrant hub of learning and discovery. A simple thank you goes a long way in showing appreciation for their dedication.

As we celebrate National Library Week together, let's reaffirm our commitment to the power of libraries to transform lives and strengthen communities. Whether you're a longtime library enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore, there's never been a better time to embrace the magic of libraries. Happy National Library Week!

Handley Library branch has achieved KultureCity® Certification as a Sensory Inclusive^TM space. This certification marks a significant step forward in the library's commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all patrons, including those with sensory processing needs.

Through a partnership with KultureCity®, the Handley Library branch has implemented a range of accommodations and resources to better support individuals with sensory sensitivities. This initiative reflects the library's dedication to raising awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by those with sensory processing needs.

Among the accommodations available are KultureCity® Sensory bags, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, feeling thermometers, and special KCVIP badges. These resources are provided for in-house use and are accessible to patrons at no cost by leaving an ID at designated service desks within the library.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which can be a major part of the events or services.

"We are excited to reinforce our dedication to serving every patron at the Handley Library branch," said John Huddy, Director of Handley Regional Library System. "By partnering with KultureCity®, we can better serve patrons with sensory needs and ensure that everyone in our community feels welcome and supported."

Patrons can obtain KultureCity® Sensory bags and other accommodations at the Greeter Desk located at the entrance and the Youth Services Information Desk on the Second Floor. Additionally, an extra pair of noise-canceling headphones is available for in-house use at the Information Services Desk in the Adult Reading Room.

KultureCity^® is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity^® has created over 1,000 Sensory Inclusive^TM public and private services, organizations, events, and venues in 6 countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All-Star Weekend.

Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them including, how to get a KultureCity® Sensory Bag. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a customized visual preview of what to expect while participating. Access the social story here: https://venue.kulturecity.org/venues/handley-regional-library-system

For more information about the Handley Library branch's sensory-inclusive initiatives, please visit www.handleyregional.org/accessibility or contact 540-662-9041.

For more information, contact Public Relations and Outreach Manager Cheryl Nakagawa at cnakagawa@handleyregional.org or visit www.handleyregional.org.