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A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Socializing while Social Distancing

December 13, 2020 By Jill Martinson

Technology has increasingly become a big part of our lives. This year certainly has seen a boost of virtual activity with online classes, Zoom meetings, webinars and remote gatherings. While many are postponing in-person get-togethers right now, social networking has become another way to keep connected. No need to be concerned if this is all new to you. Here are some books to help you be virtually innovative and socialize while social distancing.

This holiday season, some people are taking a different approach to their traditional parties. Creative family and friends have branched out with Zoom, an audio and video conferencing software app. “Zoom for Dummies” by Phil Simon introduces you to this popular app, providing detailed instruction on how to use it for business or pleasure. Basically, it allows you to stream live video and audio via computer, tablet or phone. His book shows how to set up an account and download the app to conduct meetings, chats and webinars. You’ll learn about Zoom rooms, screen sharing, and cyber security. So, get it set up and have a live Zoom meeting with your distant relatives right from your very own living room. You can open the Christmas gifts you sent one another. It’ll be worth seeing the look of surprise on Uncle Bob’s face as he opens the lovely sweater you knitted for him. It’s all right. You did a good job for your first knitted project; who wants sleeves the same length anyway?

When you’re ready to share all those great holiday photos, consider setting up an Instagram account. “Instagram for Dummies” by Jenn Herman, Corey Walker and Eric Butow is not just useful for businesses looking to promote their products, but a great resource for individuals and families as well. It’s super easy to set up the app on your phone or computer. You can even set your account to private so only your family and friends who have accounts can access it. Learn how to share cool photos, adding stories, stickers and captions to spice things up. You’ll get help finding people to follow and connect with and most importantly, you’ll finally learn how to use a hashtag.

If you don’t know Facebook from Twitter or Instagram from YouTube, this next book is for you. “A Social Media Survival Guide” by Melody Karle gives brief overviews on some of the most popular social media like Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter, well you get the idea. She discusses what each is, the main reason people use it, some terminology and the very, very basics on how to use it. Take a look at this if you’re a newbie to social media and just want to be able to nod your head in understanding and amazement when people say “Golly, my tweet has gotten so many retweets!”

Although A.K. Smiley Public Library has temporarily suspended in-person services, these titles and more are still available for checkout with our popular “Books to Go” service. You request the books online, via email or phone. We check them out and make an appointment for you to pick them up outside of the library. All the details are on our Books to Go webpage or as always, feel free to give us a call at (909) 798-7565. We’d love to hear from you!

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