Connect, gather, explore at your Washoe County Library

When was the last time you stepped inside a library? Most of the time your parents probably took you when you were a small child and you enjoyed all the picture books and storytime. As you got older school took up your time and you only came over for the occasional book report or research assignment. Over time, we just disconnected. We are here to tell you how much you are missing out everything the library has to offer you. From e-books to research and the latest best-sellers we have a host of resources for you to use. Whether it has been two days or two decades, there is something for you to connect with and explore!

Washoe County Library System always has provided information to people — that is a given. What has changed, is the how and the means of accessing that information. The mission of the Washoe County Library System is to connect people with information, ideas and experiences to support an enriched and engaged community, one person at a time. This has been the basic mission over the past 112 years. Really, 112 years!

Washoe County Library System began in 1904 with the opening of Reno’s Carnegie Free Public Library at the corner of South Virginia and Mill Streets. The Carnegie library served residents of Washoe County until 1930 when the library found a larger space in the old State Building in Powning Park across Mill Street. The building was erected by the State of Nevada on a site leased by Washoe County, beginning the long relationship between area libraries and Washoe County.

From its humble beginnings, Washoe County Library System has grown to operate 12 branch locations throughout Washoe County, along with the Internet branch.

In those 12 branch locations, the usual suspects can be found — books — in both traditional and electronic formats, from bestsellers, to travel guides. But, there is so much more than books. From our public computers to our free wifi, the ability to access information is free to use. Our website offers eBooks, access to your account, and access to resources for businesses, research, skill development, personal enrichment and more through online databases. Many of these resources you can access from your smartphone. Download the Overdrive app and look for Washoe County Library. You can find many best-sellers as well as critical business books all online. Did I mention these are all free? Resources like lynda.com, Mango Languages, and Tumblebooks open doors for all ages.

Washoe County Library also supports the burgeoning business climate of our region from offering free basic computer classes for those who need to increase their skills, and resume and job seeking assistance through online databases (Learning Express, lynda.com, NCIS, and JobNow).

Through community partnerships, two exciting programs are starting in 2016 that will directly support both the Start-Up and the Manufacturing climate, which are impacting the image and perception of this region. The Entrepreneurship Outreach Network (EON) W.I.S.E. Start-Up School and the Manufacturing Skills Institute certified Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT1).

In collaboration with Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, Washoe County Library’s Washoe Ideation Startup Education (W.I.S.E) will commence at local libraries beginning in April 2016. This program was developed and sanctioned through Arizona State University’s Entrepreneurial Outreach Network. W.I.S.E. will assist entrepreneurs, including students, inventors, and existing small business owners, in refining their ideas or products and introduce them to the practicalities of starting their own venture. This free, accessible program is designed to promote innovation and support entrepreneurs in our community.

W.I.S.E. is an extensive six-week program that will be held simultaneously at the Northwest Reno Library and South Valleys Library from April through June. W.I.S.E. is an extension to the number of resources provided by Washoe County Library System. Professionals and local business owners will assist with mentorship and as resources for students participating in the program.

The Manufacturing Skills Institute’s (MSI) Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT1) Certification Class aims to improve workforce quality and readiness with four components: Industry-endorsed national skills standards, third-party validated assessment, training and curriculum, and nationally recognized certifications. Increasing the pool of qualified applicants and enhancing the baseline skills of existing workers is something our community needs. With the influx of manufacturing businesses establishing roots in northern Nevada, we all have a real opportunity to boost our employability and turn the tide toward a more diverse economy.

The MT1 program is new to the region with the first classes being offered at the Carson City Library. Made possible through grant funds from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Washoe County Library also oriented their first cohort of 10 students in late January 2016. The students work their way through a 17 module course with opportunities for hands-on experiential learning in the subjects of mathematics and measurement, quality control, spatial reasoning and business acumen.

At the completion of the course, students will be taking a proctored exam in order to receive the certification. For more information about the class, please visit the Washoe County Library’s website: www.washoecountylibrary.us/mt1.html

In addition to business support there are always opportunities to check out materials, view a cultural or educational program (for all ages), see local artist exhibits, access the internet, and just hang out. Hope to see you soon! Need more information? Find us online, anytime at www.washoecountylibrary.us.

Jennifer Oliver is the Public Information and Development Officer for the Washoe County Library System.