This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Sonoma County Library’s Digital Petting Zoo

Santa's come and gone, with his gadgets and gimmicks, sweaters and hose. Now it's time to figure out how to use all that stuff.

 

If you received an e-reader for Christmas -- either as a gift from another or by gifting yourself -- the Sonoma County Regional Libraries can help. They’ve scheduled a series of "Digital Petting Zoos" for hands-on training and use in these valuable devices.

Whether iPad, Nook, Kindle, Kobe or even your Smart phone, e-readers have replaced books as the primary way many people consume what used to be called "the printed word" these days, even if there there need not be ink, paper or press involved these days.

Find out what's happening in Healdsburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Even if you didn't get one yet - or just want to satisfy your curiosity about all the new gadgets - come to the Sonoma County Library hands-on Digital Petting Zoo and learn how to download, open, and read books, magazines and other e-content. You can try some of the devices, or bring your own.

The county libraries began lending e-books this past year.

Find out what's happening in Healdsburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is a drop-in program, no enrollment or registration is necessary. Just bring your valid Sonoma County Library card to participate. Attendees can try out some of the most popular e-readers and audiobook devices, including iPads, Nooks, Kindles --all of which are compatible with the library's downloadable ebook and audiobook services.

Sonoma County Library staff will be on hand to answer questions about the various devices. These programs are free and open to the public, made possible by the Friends of the Santa Rosa Libraries.

The following branches will each host Sonoma County Library’s Digital Petting Zoo.

January 5, 2013 1-3pm: Central Santa Rosa Saturday (211 E Street Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Phone 707-545-0831)

January 16, 2013 6-7:30 pm Sonoma Valley Library Wednesday (755 West Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476 Phone 707-996-5217)

January 26, 2013 1-3pm Central Santa Rosa Saturday (211 E Street Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Phone 707-545-0831)

February 2, 2013 1-3pm: Northwest Santa Rosa Library (150 Coddingtown Center Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Phone 707-546-2265)

February 9, 2013 1-3pm Rincon Valley Library (6959 Montecito Blvd Santa Rosa, CA  95409 Phone 707-537-0162)

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?