For Immediate Release
May 24, 2017
Premium Software Now Available at All SCCLD Libraries
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – May 24, 2017 – From photography projects, filmmaking, and software programming to creating animations, designing websites and more, the opportunity to learn, build or develop innovative creations has never been greater. With newly installed public computers at all Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) locations, anyone with a SCCLD library card can now access for free some of the latest computer hardware and software available. Library cards are free and available to everyone.
In March 2017, SCCLD’s eight libraries began installing new computers with faster and more powerful full-service and catalog computers to ensure all Santa Clara County residents have access to higher technology. Featuring faster processors, larger screens and equipped with Blu-ray disc players, the new computer systems offer some of the most popular software available.
Applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Animate for creative design are among the more than 20 new software packages now available. Residents can also utilizeMicrosoft Visual Studio for programming, WinWay Resume Deluxe, Microsoft Office 2016 Suite,Ultimate Phonics for adult literacy educational lessons, and Camtasia for creating online tutorials and videos for free. Each computer session may be used for up to 3 hours at a time based on demand.
“With this massive computer upgrade, the Library wanted to create a superior user experience worthy of Silicon Valley. We provide state-of-the-art computers for students who rely on free library computer sessions as well as for engineers who don’t have home access to such a variety of software. The feedback has been very positive and I am thrilled that we will also be offering more free training classes to the public,” stated Nancy Howe, County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District.
The ability to utilize a computer and the internet has become increasingly important over the past 30 years. However, not everyone has easy access to this technology. According to a recent 2017 Pew Research Center publication, lower-income Americans continue to fall behind in using or owning higher technology such as a desktop or laptop computer. The study found that 56% of those with household incomes below $30,000 did not own a home computer or home broadband service. Half of this group relied on a smartphone (56%) to connect to the internet.
“These new computers are fantastic. They're much better than what I have at work or at home. I could simply run my business from the library if I needed to. I like the fact that they are fast and equipped with state of the art software packages which typically costs a lot. I'm amazed that this is available at the public library!” stated Gopal Kumarappan, Chair of Cupertino City’s Library Commission.
To help users with some of the new software, free Adobe Photoshop training will be offered at the following locations:
Gilroy Library Computer Lab:
Tuesday, June 6 from 5:30-8:30 PM
Morgan Hill Library:
Wednesday, June 7 from 12:00-3:00 PM
Campbell Library:
Wednesday, June 7 from 5:00-8:00 PM
Milpitas Library Computer Lab:
Thursday, June 8 from 12:00-3:00 PM
Cupertino Library:
Thursday, June 8 from 6:00-9:00 PM
Saratoga Library Computer Lab:
Tuesday, June 20 from 2:00-5:00 PM
Los Altos Library
Thursday, June 22 from 6:00-9:00 PM
All classes are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Register at www.sccl.org/events/photoshop.
The new computers and software installation began March 12 with all libraries fully equipped with the new technology as of May 2017. Each library location is Wi-Fi enabled and in 2016 SCCLD hosted 2 million sessions. For more information or a complete list of new software now available at all SCCLD libraries, please visit www.sccl.org/computer-services.
About the Santa Clara County Library District
The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) promotes knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment. Its collection includes more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and extensive online resources accessible from home or work.
In 2014, SCCLD celebrated one hundred years of service to local residents. For the last several years, SCCLDhas been consistently recognized as one of America’s Star Libraries by Library Journal. In 2016, SCCLD was ranked among the top ten large libraries in the United Statesin the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service.In 2014 and 2015, SCCLD won Innovator Awards from the Urban Libraries Council.
The Santa Clara County Library District includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. In 2016, the Santa Clara County Library District had more than 270,000 library cardholders and welcomed 3.3 million visitors who borrowed 9.1 million items.
Contact:
Nancy Howe/Chris Brown /Lili Smith
Santa Clara County Library District
(408) 293-2326 ext. 3001/3002/3014
