to help young’uns become competent readers. Family sched-
ules may be hectic, but both libraries have ample sessions to
choose from. The annual Summer Reading Challenge attracts
thousands of kids and offers opportunities to win prizes.
Both libraries employ Teen Librarians who leverage library
district resources and collaborate with schools and other
partners to provide teens with programs that are both creative
and aligned with school district learning objectives.
Coming soon…a new robotics program in partnership
with Gilroy Unified School District. The program is based on
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy curriculum.
“We’ll start with a few classes,” Yoshimura explained, “and
once we have a model in place, we’ll share what we have learned
with other district libraries.” Gilroy Library also does outreach
through Spanish language book clubs at Christopher High
School.
Students can get homework help via Brainfuse, a free online
tutoring service provided by the library system. English- and
Spanish-speaking tutors are available to elementary through
college students on almost any subject.
“It’s great when parents are stumped by the questions their
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
kids ask about homework,” Yoshimura said. “One mom told
me her student got 100% on a surprise test the morning after
getting help from a Brainfuse tutor.”
Both libraries feature a new Tech Toolbar that allows
patrons to “test drive” and learn how to use tech gadgets like
tablet computers and eReaders. Onscreen demos provide
basic tips and a library staffer is available to answer questions.
The Morgan Hill Library is collaborating with the school
district and the San Jose Tech Museum to deliver new
hands-on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and
Math) programs.
“We have a good relationship with the Morgan Hill
schools,” Tomasso said, “and we’re going school by school to
provide every student with a library card.”
Lifelong Learners
Job seekers can access the library system’s tools for help with
résumé writing and preparing for job interviews. Those wishing
to improve career prospects by developing tech skills can get free
access to online texts and courses through Safari Tech, a service
that earns high marks from educators and HR pros alike.
MARCH/APRIL 2016
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