At the Library 11/28/24

Gratitude at Work

by Cary Ann Siegfried

    Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters and express gratitude for the people who make life better. While family, friends, my dogs and pumpkin pie are staples of my Thanksgiving gratitude list, this year, I want to shine a spotlight on another group of people who mean a lot to me—my coworkers at the library!

    Work is where we spend a significant portion of our lives, and let’s face it—the people we work with play a big role in how we feel about our jobs. I’m incredibly thankful to work alongside people who not only make my days productive but also enjoyable. They’re the ones who lend a listening ear during stressful moments, celebrate small and large victories and put up with my inability to figure out how to correctly program the library’s lighting system. 

    One of the greatest things about our library staff is how we come together to tackle challenges. Whether it’s figuring out why the 3D printer won’t print, coming up with a name for a library podcast, understanding the chemistry of mixing glazes or simply covering for each other when life happens, the sense of teamwork we share is something I never take for granted.

    One of the great things about working in a library is that we get to learn new things pretty much every day. It has constantly amazed me over the last year as I’ve watched our staff take on the challenge of our MakeIT Place equipment.  We have all learned so much more than we ever expected and we’ll probably never be done.  We’ve also given each other room to fail, knowing that sometimes failing is the best path towards learning. 

    This Thanksgiving, I raise a toast to our library staff--  Alison, Beth, Jenisa, LeAnn, Tammy, Linda, Mia, Lydia, Abby, Cassandra and Kirk: thank you for your support, your humor, and your unwavering team spirit. You make work not just bearable but meaningful. I’m grateful for each of you and all that you bring to the table—every single day.  It’s been fun collecting these pictures of learning in action— something new I’ve learned today is that one of Tammy’s many talents is avoiding getting her picture taken!

    As we head into the holiday season, I encourage everyone reading this to take a moment and appreciate the people who make your work life brighter. Sometimes, a simple "thank you" can go a long way in making someone’s day.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all—may your hearts be full of gratitude, and your plates full of pie!

At the Library

    

Senior Citizens Targeted by Technology Scams: 

How to Identify and Protect Against Fraud

by Beth Swift, Technology Librarian

    In today’s digital age, technology has made life more convenient for everyone—including senior citizens. However, it has also opened the door to new forms of scams and fraud, with older adults increasingly becoming targets of malicious individuals using phones, emails, and other digital platforms to exploit them. The most common form of technology scam aimed at seniors is the phony phone call asking for money, but there are many others as well. These scams can be devastating, financially and emotionally, but there are ways to identify them and protect oneself from falling victim.

The Rise of Scams Targeting Seniors

   

    According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older adults are disproportionately targeted by scammers, often because they tend to have savings, good credit, and are less likely to recognize or report suspicious activity. Scammers often use fear, urgency, and the promise of rewards to manipulate victims into giving away money or personal information.

    The scams typically start with unsolicited phone calls, but they can also take the form of emails, texts, or even social media messages. Some of the most common scams include:

• Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters pose as government officials, law enforcement officers, or family members. For example, a scammer may call claiming to be a relative in urgent need of money for an emergency, such as a car accident or a legal issue.

• Prize or Sweepstakes Scams: Scammers inform seniors that they’ve won a large sum of money, but in order to claim the prize, they need to pay taxes or fees upfront.

• Tech Support Scams: A scammer pretends to be from a well-known tech company, like Microsoft or Apple, claiming that the senior’s computer has a virus and they need to pay for "repair services."

• Charity Scams: Exploiting a senior's generosity, fraudsters pose as representatives of fake charities, often after disasters or during the holidays, asking for donations.

• IRS or Tax Scams: A common scam involves callers pretending to be from the IRS, threatening arrest or legal action unless the senior sends money immediately to settle supposed unpaid taxes.

How to Identify a Scam

    Scammers are experts at manipulating emotions, often using high-pressure tactics to encourage quick action. Seniors can protect themselves by learning how to identify the red flags of a scam:

1. Unexpected or Unsolicited Contact: Be cautious if you receive a call, email, or message from someone you weren’t expecting. Scammers often initiate contact out of the blue. Genuine organizations typically don’t reach out to individuals without prior communication.

2. Urgency or Threats: Scammers create a sense of urgency to force quick decisions. For example, they may claim that your account will be frozen unless you act immediately, or that a loved one is in danger and needs money right away. Legitimate organizations or family members would not pressure you in this way.

3. Requests for Money or Personal Information: Never give out personal information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords over the phone or online. No legitimate company will ask for sensitive information in an unsolicited call.

4. Too Good to Be True Offers: Scammers often promise large sums of money, prizes, or winnings in exchange for a small fee or payment. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Vague or Poorly Worded Communications: Pay attention to the quality of the communication. Scammers often use generic language (e.g., "Dear customer") and contain spelling or grammar mistakes. Official organizations generally use more professional language.

6. Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers can manipulate the phone number displayed on your caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source, such as the government or a family member. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to hang up and call the person or organization back using a verified phone number.

How to Protect Yourself

    Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself or a loved one from falling victim to these scams:

1. Hang Up and Verify: If you receive an unsolicited phone call asking for money or personal information, hang up immediately. Take a moment to verify the situation by contacting the person or organization directly using a phone number or email address you know is legitimate.

2. Do Not Share Personal Information: Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact and are certain about who you’re speaking with. If you’re unsure, ask for a callback number or ask them to send written information.

3. Use Call Blocking Technology: Many phone providers offer call-blocking services or apps that can help filter out unwanted or fraudulent calls. You can also register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls.

4. Check for Red Flags in Emails: Be cautious of emails with suspicious subject lines, attachments, or links. Hover your mouse over links to see if the URL looks legitimate before clicking. If you suspect an email is a scam, delete it or report it as phishing.

5. Stay Informed About Common Scams: Regularly check resources like the FTC website, AARP, or your local consumer protection agency to stay updated on the latest scams targeting seniors.

6. Involve Trusted Family or Friends: If you are unsure about a communication you’ve received, talk it over with a trusted family member or friend. Scammers often prey on seniors who live alone or are isolated, so it’s important to maintain strong support networks.

7. Report Scams: If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, report it to the FTC, local authorities, or the relevant organization. Reporting helps authorities track scammers and can prevent others from becoming victims.

    While technology can be a valuable tool for seniors (or ANYONE), it’s also essential to be vigilant against scams. By learning how to recognize the warning signs of fraud and following simple steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy the benefits of digital life without falling prey to criminals. It’s important for seniors to trust their instincts and not be afraid to ask for help if something feels off. Protecting yourself from scams is not just about securing your money; it’s about safeguarding your peace of mind and maintaining control over your life.

At the Library 11/14/24

 Sewing At Your WPL

Beginning sewists gather around Jean Frazer to learn some basics.

    The Make IT Place at the Washington Public Library is an amazing community resource and if you have not yet utilized it, we hope you can find something to enrich your “making” interest soon. All of the machines are available to use for free for anyone who has a WPL library card and has become certified. You can become certified by taking a class or visiting our website and completing the certification process for a particular piece of equipment. 

    The library staff has been divided into teams to run the Make IT Place with valuable help from volunteers and a few paid instructors. One of my areas is the Sewing Center with my team partner Alison Greiner and our fantastic volunteers. We have been offering Beginning Sewing classes once a month and will continue to offer them into the new year. We have six Eversewn Charlotte sewing machines which we use for the classes and Jean Frazer has been our teacher. At this time, we are only offering adult classes but hope to expand to teens and kids soon. For the month of November we are offering a fun, holiday-themed class, Sewing a Holiday Stocking! For this class we are asking that participants be certified ahead of time and it is easy as 1-2-3-4. 1) First, visit our website at www.washington.lib.ia.us and scroll down to click on the orange Make IT Place button. 2) Second, you will see the list of equipment and you should scroll down to the Sewing/Quilting section and click on the blue link “Learn More About the Sewing/Quilting Equipment”. 3) Thirdly, watch the Charlotte Sewing videos. They will show you how to load the thread and wind the bobbin. Read the checklist and then click on the certification box to take the simple quiz. 4) Lastly, you will receive an email from the staff asking you to schedule a time to demonstrate loading the thread and winding the bobbin. After that, voila, you are certified and can sign up for the stocking class on the Events Calendar!

Make a Holiday Stocking
in the Make IT Place!

    So far, the sewing classes have been a ball. We have so much fun learning with Jean, who is a patient teacher. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill all for free at your WPL!

Jean Frazer teaches a Beginning Sewing class
how to thread the machine and wind a bobbin.

At the Library 11/07/24

Great Services You May Not Know About at Your WPL

by Tammy Valentine

    Today I was talking to LeAnn and Beth about our wonderful services that people may not know are available. One terrific service is Gabbie, our online text messaging service.  This service can be accessed through our website.  I usually recommend to people to make us a contact, as in ‘Library text’ so you know it is us when you receive the automated due date reminder.  The Gabbie system is very helpful in those quick communications between patrons and the library.  Our automated due date reminders are like dental appointment reminders, which we are all thankful for!  You can also text us if you have a question. Those texts arrive at our staff computers so any one of us may answer you. We know patrons are very busy with lots going on so getting information to them quickly is very beneficial to everyone.

    

   

    Another great service is the meeting room reservation system that patrons can access through our website.  Many meetings require coordinating several peoples’ schedules so everyone being able to see what meeting room is available and when is much easier when doing that planning.  To access the meeting room reservation system, go to our website and just hover over the Using the Library tab, then select Meeting Rooms.  You will find the meeting room policy and the contract to review. This system allows you to download and print off the contract or you can fill it out online first then download it to email to the library. 

    I recommend going to our website and just look around. It has everything you want to know about the library. The website has the covers of the new books scrolling along. It also has our calendar of events listed but the calendar can be expanded to show you the entire month. This calendar allows you to click on any event, so you can see the details along with the registration form, if registration is required.

    Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions!

At the Library 10/31/24

 Ofrenda at the WPL Honors passed Washington Residents

by Alison Greiner

Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos at the WPL

    Fall is my favorite season of the year.  Maybe my love for the season developed because I have a birthday in October, but I dream of sweaters and hot chocolate every year as early as September.  I love the cool, crisp air and the opportunity to bring out cozy clothing, warm blankets, and snuggle.  I have a list of favorite soups that are the perfect way to warm the belly.   Apple cider, pumpkin patches, and cozy bonfires are always a treat and the quintessential reminders of fall.  Of course, we can’t forget Halloween and other traditions we look forward to enjoying. 

     This year, I am adding the Mexican Dia de los Muertos tradition to my list. Through conversations with friends and library patrons, I learned more about this tradition. While I had a small idea of what this holiday was about, I was glad to be able to learn even more.  Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday. It is a vibrant celebration of life, and death is not considered sad or depressing. Instead, it reminds us that death is a part of life and allows people to honor those who have gone before them. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated from October 28th to November 2nd.  

    There are a variety of traditions that honor the dead, such as:

    Ofrendas-altars used to honor the dead
    Sugar skulls- treats used to represent the circle of life
    Papel picado-bright and colorful banners that represent the wind |
    Pan de muerto-circular bread representing the circle of life  
    La Catrina- a skeleton character representation of the celebration
    People also celebrate this holiday by visiting graves, parades, festivals, face painting, and costumes. 

    Anabel Hernandez Romero, Rocio Arrellano, Erika Castro, and I created a beautiful ofrenda (offering) display here at the library.  This table is decorated with symbols and offerings to honor deceased loved ones.  Each item has a specific meaning and is an integral part of the altar.  It has three levels or tiers.  The topmost tier contains pictures of those that are passed and honored.  This year, we have four people from Washington who we are honoring on our ofrenda. 

    Jane Chilicote (1828-1901) was a Washington author who donated her home to be used as the first library in Washington.

Ofrenda at the WPL

    David Elder (1911-2002) was a well-known Washington author.

    William Franklin (W.F.) Brinton was a Washington inventor.| 

    John Richard Kessell (1954-2022) was a Washington musician.

    We hope this can become a tradition and add new and different people to honor each year. The altar is truly beautiful. I feel honored to live in a community that celebrates people and traditions from all cultures. Please stop in and visit the library to experience this special display firsthand.  

Preparation of the ofrenda by Anabel Hernandez-Romero
with son Emiliano and Rocio Arrellano

     


 

 

At the Library 10/24/24

Making Pottery at Your WPL Offers Health Benefits

Jessi Tucci, pottery instructor and Wendy Heck,
Wilhelmina Laughlin, & Peg Harris

By Jenisa Harris 

    The library MakeIT Place Pottery studio has been a labor of love for me over the past year. Our pottery studio has 3 Brent B potter's wheels, an L&L E23S-3 Easy-Fire Kiln, and space for hand-building. Beth and I have learned a lot about clay, glaze, pottery tools, and techniques from some excellent pottery experts. I have also discovered the incredible health benefits of making pottery through my research. 

    Ceramic making can help relieve stress. When making pottery, the tactile sense is engaged, which promotes a profoundly meditative state, mimicking the simplistic childhood state of exploration through touch. As the rest of the world fades away, your blood pressure reduces, and your breathing regulates itself.

    Making ceramics can be a natural pain killer. Because of its stress relief qualities, making pottery can also be a natural pain killer for stress-related pain. 

    Making pottery with others can increase happiness. Engaging in social activities, such as taking a pottery workshop or class, can increase the level of dopamine in your bloodstream, causing you to feel happier.

    Making pottery can reduce symptoms of certain mental disorders. Forty-five minutes of working with the clay can significantly reduce these cortisol levels and minimize symptoms associated with certain mental disorders. 

    Pottery making can reduce arthritis symptoms. One good, low-impact exercise for the hands–a common area for joint pain–is clay throwing on a pottery wheel or hand-building ceramics. An indirect benefit of ceramic-making for arthritis sufferers is the stress relief component, which can also contribute to less inflammation in the joints.

    We offer fun and educational pottery programs in the MakeIT Place pottery studio, so you can reap all the pottery health benefits! You can register for the classes on the library website here: https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/events. 

Marissa Reisen, Bethany Langr,
 and Amanda Smith handbuild pots

Bella Gillispie, Emma Kaye, &  Erin Kaye create pottery
on the library pottery wheels

 

Beth Brooks & Sue Reed
handbuild some unique pieces

At the Library 10/17/24

 

 Learn a New Language Through Your Library Resources

  by Mia Schrock

Mango Languages

    Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? I know I have. Luckily, I have the option to take Spanish or American Sign Language classes through my school, but not every school offers those classes. Or most likely, you aren’t in school anymore. Well, we have a resource for you. In my last article, I wrote about sources to get help with homework, and you can go to the same spot to find Mango Languages. It's just the Research and Learn tab, then under Learning Resources on our website at www.washington.lib.ia.us.

    Mango Languages is a free site with over 70 world language courses. Each Language is split into a few different units, then each unit has chapters with different topics. Each chapter has about 10 lessons, and other studying options like listening, reading, vocabulary, and a recap. It is easy to set a goal to do a lesson each day, or two to three a week if you aren’t ready to commit to one every day. With 70 different languages, there are options for everybody. Some of the popular ones include Spanish, French, English, Japanese, Italian, and so many more. I was surprised to hear that some language learning apps don’t have English as a course. Not only does Mango Languages have an English course, it also has an English (Shakespearean) course.

    Now I have not tried it, but it looks really interesting. The options are endless with so many languages to choose from. I highly recommend looking into to learning a new language. It could help you talk to someone and make a new friend someday. Or you could make it a goal to finish a course in a language before you travel to a country that speaks that language. Overall, being bilingual is not only super cool, but also really helpful. While I can’t guarantee you will be fluent in a language after taking just one course of it, starting with Mango Languages can open you up to new possibilities to learn even more and eventually maybe become fluent.

Over 70 language options available on Mango