Technology is a fast-moving target. It isn't always accessible to everyone. But two local librarians show how the library in New Westminster is working hard to make in demand technologies accessible to everyone. Rich or poor, the same technology is available, and they are on hand to help everyone who walks in the door learn how to use it.

Adam Farrell, the Manager of Technology and Technical Services at New Westminster Library has teamed up with Community Librarian Liz Hunter to provide locals with learning opportunities about new and emerging technology. These include Creation Stations that allow residents to transfer data from old technology such as video tapes to digital. Locals can also borrow the technology to create podcasts or edit graphics. For others it is learning to access government websites in order to apply for Canadian citizenship. All of this is available free of charge and the library website even supplies links to learn how to use them.

All a local resident needs to do is come into the library and request to check out the technology or access it on the library computers.  Options include software for editing audio, video and graphics as well as the hardware to produce it. In house computers give locals access to expensive software and allow them to master its use. In addition, the Library of Things gives locals access to musical instruments, local seeds and a host of others that go far beyond the usual books we think of when we think of a library.

As Adam Farrell states, "One of the ways that libraries are remaining relevant is not just in terms of books and traditional services, but also through the library of things."