The technology & makerspace area at the Picton Branch Library is a hub of activity.

Now we’ve moved into the newly built space, we’re able to return to a regular schedule of workshops. A recent discussion covering AI (Artificial Intelligence) was well-attended and if you missed it, the tech help team are happy to share their knowledge and answer questions you may have on the topic.

Upcoming workshops include exploring the library’s online resources, discovering the makerspace, and using technology to make your life easier. You can find specific dates and times by visiting the library website or dropping by.

A photo scanner which allows you to easily scan photographs has been quite popular with people tackling projects of scanning family photos.

Equipment to digitize VHS tapes has also been moved to the makerspace from the Archives for anyone who has family videos to preserve. Thanks to a generous gift from the Huff Family Fund administered by the County Foundation, we have exciting new technology for you to use. It’s best to book a time to be sure we’re available to help by calling (613) 476-5962, or take your chances dropping by.

A gaming computer and VR set has already been tried out by the Teen Advisory Board and the after-school club in Wellington, and you can try it too. Youth can drop by Tuesdays from 3 – 5 p.m. to hang out and play games.

A new youth filmmakers club, which will meet Wednesdays in August, will put cameras, lighting and sound equipment to use. The filmmaking equipment is also available for anyone. An editing computer, loaded with the Adobe Suite including Photoshop and InDesign, is available and if you need assistance getting started, we can help.

We also have technology for video conferencing including a Meeting Owl, which is a camera and microphone that can be used when several people are on the same Zoom or other video meeting. It rotates to bring whoever is speaking into focus. You can now book the meeting room online at peclibrary.org or by calling the library, and we will have several more rooms available when the construction is fully complete.

Free to nonprofit community groups and individuals needing a quiet place to study or work.

-Liz Zylstra