At an open house on Saturday at 2 p.m. the Nelson Public Library will launch its new Tech Hub.
The hub gives library members free access to equipment and software to record voice, create videos, digitize analog materials and create digital arts.
At the open house, members can learn more about training opportunities, borrow a laptop, play with the children’s tech toys or take a fun photo in front of the green screen.
The Tech Hub was funded by the Columbia Basin Trust with support from the City of Nelson and the Regional District of the Central Kootenay’s Areas F and H.
The hub is made up of three rooms: a digitization station with equipment to convert those precious memories saved in analog formats like cassettes or slides to digital; a media station featuring a Microsoft Surface Studio 2 with Adobe Creative Cloud software for photography, design, video, web and more; and a recording studio with equipment for recording voice, a DSLR camera and lighting.
“The library has always been a place that offers access to ideas, information and new skills. The Tech Hub allows us to take that further by offering access to technology to spark curiosity, creativity and collaboration,” said chief librarian Tracey Therrien.
“All you need is your library card, an idea, and a willingness to learn new things.”
Technology newbies need not be afraid because library staff have created basic training manuals and lists of library resources to help get started on using the equipment and software. Library members also have access to LinkedIn Learning, an online learning platform with thousands of courses to learn technology skills. For those that need a little more personalized learning, local experts Anthony Sanna and Jaimie Killen are offering free workshops on using the equipment and software from January to April.
Killen is an artist, photographer and owner of a multimedia business offering graphic design, photography, film, social media marketing, web design and software training. Sanna is photographer, online marketing consultant, content creator, editor, podcast producer, teacher and mentor.
The official launch of the Tech Hub on Saturday is the perfect time to meet Anthony and Jamie, find out a little more about the Tech Hub, and sign up for a library card. More details on the Tech Hub and upcoming courses can be found at nelsonlibrary.ca.