Plano Library Speaks

Hear from Genealogy Librarian Cheryl Smith about Collin County Images, an online archive of Collin County history featuring photos, documents, yearbooks and more. Learn more about the History Harvest and Genealogy Lock-In on the Plano Library Learns blog: https://www.planolibrarylearns.org/2022/10/15/plano-library-speaks-collin-county-images/

​In episode 13 of the Plano Library Speaks podcast, we talk with Community Outreach Librarian Eric Bullock about the library outreach program. Links or information mentioned in the show can be found below. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be the first to hear each episode, and of course, subscribe to the Plano Library Learns blog to get new blog posts directly in your inbox each week.

Outreach brings library staff into the Plano community to share information about library resources. Did you know you can request the library to come to your event? Fill out the request form on our website.

In episode 12 of the Plano Library Speaks podcast, we talk with Director of Emergency Management Carrie Little about Preparedness Month and Librarian Bethany Ross about the Connecting Seniors program.

Preparedness Month:

City of Plano - Emergency Management Department - Sign up for local alerts, join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and more

Know What 2 Do - Look at the "Make a Plan" and "Build a Kit" to be prepared

Register for the Are You Financially Ready for a Disaster? webinar presented by Bank of America on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30pm - Register here Learn steps you can take to shore up your finances ahead of and after a natural disaster to avoid long-term damage

Connecting Seniors:

Connecting Seniors is a monthly social program held at Haggard Library and virtually. Reminisce about past times through facilitated conversation and an exchange of experiences. Register once and use the same link to join virtually each month! Connecting Seniors meets on the first Thursday of the month.

Check the library's website for the Connecting Seniors schedule and additional programs just for seniors.

Your hosts Bob and Rachel interview Library Manager Brent Bloechle about the Davis Library remodel. In this episode, we go over the many new features and spaces of the 2017 Bond Project that was completed in May 2022. The Grand Reopening featured a ribbon cutting, a visit from the #MoreThanBooks outreach van and more bubbles than you can imagine. See the Plano Library Learns blog for video and photos of the renovated space: https://www.planolibrarylearns.org/tag/plano-library-speaks/

Danielle Davis and Brandi Harrison Totter of Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas discuss the needs of employers, the job market, what skills to work on for today's workforce, and how to use Workforce Solutions as a resource for job seeking and career building. Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas website: https://www.dfwjobs.com/

Get you resume checked out, work on interview skills and more with the library's Job Seeker's Toolkit series this August. Learn more on our website: https://www.plano.gov/2049/Career

Librarian Sharon Forinash talks about the importance of early learning and literacy, and how flannel activities during storytime help with preparing little ones to read, speak and more. Check out the Plano Public Library's YouTube channel for flannel activities and songs you can watch at home and on the go: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDDS7bPrXRJfoLnyfof-a0VB0AEV1D0Ar

Plano Police Officer Chris Bianez offers personal and property safety classes through the library (and beyond). Learn some of his top safety tips, including how to avoid fraud and scams. Here are his upcoming workshops:

• Personal Safety for College-Bound Students, August 2 at 6pm at Davis Library
• Personal Safety, August 16 at 6pm at Davis Library
• Protect Yourself from Identity Theft, Fraud and Scams, October 3 at 6pm at Davis Library

Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library!

In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat about financial literacy, and everything the library offers to work on your money smart skills from little kids through adults.

From July 13-August 24, Plano Public Library is hosting the Thinking Money for Kids exhibit at Haggard Library. Thinking Money for Kids strives to teach children ages 7 to 11 and their parents, caregivers and educators about financial literacy topics — like saving, spending and budgeting — in a way that is not only understandable, but fun. Join us for a grand opening and ribbon cutting on July 14 at 4pm.

Thinking Money for Kids is a museum-quality exhibition traveling to 50 U.S. public libraries between 2019 and 2022. Through a bustling community market-themed storyline, digital interactive content and other fun, hands-on activities, the exhibition explores topics like earning money, saving and spending, and making responsible financial decisions. Thinking Money for Kids is brought to communities nationwide by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office.

In an interview with Kristin Linscott, Development Coordinator, and Robert Ganem, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, we discuss what the Thinking Money for Kids exhibit is and what resources are available from FINRA.

FINRA tools available through their website include:

• Personal Finance education, including information on setting financial goals, controlling spending and managing debt
• Tools and calculators, including market data and retirement estimator
• Investing education, including courses, choosing an investment professional and young adults and investing
• BrokerCheck, a free tool to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisors and firms

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Librarian Sarah O'Pella talks on the podcast about library programs that target money smart skills. You can see the schedule in the library's Engage brochure or on the Money Smart page of our website. Here are a few upcoming financial literacy programs:

Art Shop (All Ages)

What can you create with $5.00? Browse our art shop for supplies to make your masterpiece! With play money received at the store entrance, purchase paper, markers, glue and scissors, and specialty supplies to make your work of art spectacular.

Haggard Wed Jul 13 6pm

Haggard Wed Aug 24 6pm

Counting Coins (Grades K-5)

Explore hands-on activities that strengthen your child's knowledge of counting and money

Schimelpfenig Wed Aug 10 6pm

Art of Money (All Ages)

Get ready for money making mania as we explore what money looks like around the world and then create your own currency designs. Who will you put on your currency?

Schimelpfenig Sat Jun 25 2pm

Davis Sat Aug 20 3pm

FIT (JR) Financial Intelligence Training for Teens (Teen)

College students from the University of North Texas show teens how to set goals, make spending plans, manage credit and debt and plan for the future. Receive a Financial Intelligence Training (JR) certificate upon completion

Haggard Fri Jul 22 2pm

Building Wealth - Beginner's Guide to Securing Your Financial Future (Adult, Teen)

You can create personal wealth and meet your financial goals by using basic concepts and taking control of your financial choices to launch you towards the future you want

Virtual Tue Jul 26 7-8:30pm – Register here

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Library Manager Cecily Ponce de Leon talks about the many ways in which Plano Public Library has shared the program and reading resources library staff have created back to the library profession.

Art Shop, one of the many financial literacy program the library offers, was part of the reason why the City of Plano won the 2019 City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Information about this program was included in Rainy Day Ready: Financial Literacy Programs and Tools, which is a ready-to-use guide for offering financial literacy initiatives at a library, published by ALA.

In April 2022, the American Library Association (ALA), in collaboration with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation), released Thinking Money for All Kids: Diverse and Inclusive Reads to Teach Young People about Money, a free resource for library workers. Cecily was one of many library staff who contributed to this title, which you can read more about and download from the ALA website.

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The last interview is with Kristin Linscott and Lyn Haralson, a Financial Education Program Analyst with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (cfpb). cfpb has a variety of resources available for consumers. Here are some useful pages on their website, especially for kids learning about money:

Learn about the building blocks of financial capability

Financial literacy activities for kids of all ages

Money As You Grow resources

Tools and Resources on a variety of topics

Financial Well-being Assessment

Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library!

In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy, our Family Place Library designation and LinkedIn classes from the library.

In the Learning & Leading segment, we talk with SCORE Mentor Julie Newport and Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about the teen program Youth Entrepreneurship Academy (YEA):

Learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur and sell your idea in a pitch contest format. Attendees will be assigned to groups, create a business idea, write a business plan and pitch to a panel of business professionals. Prizes provided by Credit Union of Texas. Program intended for grades 9-12

Please only register if you can attend all three sessions: June 14, 15 and 16 from 1-4pm. Register in-person at any Plano Library, beginning May 31.

Other SCORE programs this summer:

SCORE Business Mentoring – Every Thursday from 5-8pm at Schimelpfenig Library by appointment: 214-987-9491 or email Don Walter at [email protected]

Team Up for Entrepreneurial Success – Fourth Tuesday each month at 6:30pm at Haggard Library. Team up with like-minded business people, start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs. Monthly meetings offer opportunities for networking, problem-solving, access to resources and coaching with SCORE Mentors, subject matter experts and Plano Library staff. June: Intro to Google Trends | July: Define Your Target Market | August: Create Your Elevator Speech

Essential Steps for Starting a Business – Thursday, June 23 at 6:30pm at Haggard Library and virtual. An introductory workshop designed for the entrepreneur and small business owner to learn what's really needed of them to start and run a successful business. Register here.

Roadmap to Business Startup Success – Thursday, July 28 at 6:30pm at Haggard Library and virtual. Don Walter, SCORE Mentor, reviews the steps that need to be followed to successfully launch a business – from the genesis of the idea through the legal aspects, competition research, financing, marketing and launch. Register here.

Business Plan 101 – Saturday, August 27 at 10:30am at Haggard Library. This workshop is designed to help you get started on writing a Business Plan. Learn the importance of having a plan and some of the essential elements needed to put you on the right path.

In the Kids & Family segment, we chat with Librarian Supervisor Julie Conner about the Family Place Libraries here at the library. Harrington and Schimelpfenig libraries are Family Place Libraries, which transforms libraries into community centers for early literacy & learning, parent education and engagement, family support and community connectivity helping to ensure all children enter school ready and able to learn.

At Playgroup, registrants spend time together, play, make friends and talk one-on-one with community resource professionals. The next Playgroup (for ages 0-3 with caregivers) meets Wednesdays, September 21-October 19 from 9:30-10:45am at Schimelpfenig Library. Registration is in-person and opens September 6.

Family Place Library Overview: https://youtu.be/cIdfVOAlWX4

Family Place Playgroup Overview: https://youtu.be/uXWhRw86zMM

Parenting Collection Interview: https://youtu.be/AyNgYMTleZU

In the Did You Know? segment, Librarian Jaime Eastman talks about the upcoming LinkedIn: Content Creation class as well as other features of LinkedIn that we have taught previously. LinkedIn: Content Creation meets virtually on Thursday, July 14 at 3pm via Zoom. Learn the basics of creating your own content, from short-form posts to longer articles, managing followers and comments, and viewing analytics. Register here.

Previous LinkedIn classes are recorded on the library's YouTube channel:

LinkedIn Basics – Learn the basics of building a profile, adding connections, and searching for jobs

LinkedIn Resume Builder – Learn how to use your LinkedIn profile to create and save custom resumes targeted to your job search

LinkedIn: Job Search – Explore tips and tricks to maximizing your job search on LinkedIn. Learn how to create and filter searches, find and follow companies, apply for positions and more using your profile

LinkedIn Learning – From writing a stellar resume to learning a new skill, explore the learning resources available through LinkedIn Learning. Learn how to navigate content, explore learning paths, and share your skills

In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including the importance of lifelong learning for the health of our brains, Summer Learning at the library and using the Plano Public Library app.

In the Learning & Leading segment, we talk with special guest Katie Hinds from the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Brain Health. She talks about the importance of lifelong learning for the health of our brains. Challenging the muscles in your body, including the brain, strengthens the body.

With the library, there are many ways to learn something new, explore challenging topics and engage your brain. Here are a few suggestions, all available for free with your library card:

• Begin learning a language or advance your current language skills by using Pronunciator
• Read a book on a topic you are unfamiliar with - the library has thousands of books to choose from in print, eBook and Audiobook
• Check out an art STEAM Kit to boost your creative skills
• Attend a technology program in the Digital Creation Space
• Network with other entrepreneurs in the monthly TUES program with SCORE
• Complete a Summer Learning passport

In the Kids & Family segment, Nina Martin (Manager) and Meredith Del Monte (Librarian) give us a run-through of what's happening this summer at the library.

Summer Learning is for Everyone! Explore Plano Public Library... and Discover Your World!

Kick-off your Summer Learning goals with Plano Public Library on June 4:

• Harrington Library: 10am-12pm
• Parr Library: 10am-12pm
• Davis Library: 12-2pm
• Schimelpfenig Library: 2-4pm
• Haggard Library: 2-4pm

Download a reading log from our website.

All libraries have programs in-person this summer (plus many continuing virtually), so grab a brochure or check out our calendar online for details.

In the Did You Know? segment, Community Outreach Librarian Ben Baron talks about the Plano Public Library mobile app and some of the great features you have access to.

First, you will need to download the library app if you haven't already:

1. Head to the app store on your phone or mobile device
2. Search "Plano Public Library"
3. Download the "Plano Public Library" app to your mobile device

Explore the how-to videos on the Plano Public Library YouTube channel to learn about the various features such as checking out using your phone, paying fees through the app, managing family cards and porch pickup: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDDS7bPrXRJfw08rUor5W02sWqdFdASJ8

In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including Financial Literacy Month and how you can boost your financial capability, STEAM programs and exhibits, and our monthly Memory Keepers program.

Learning & Leading

We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about ongoing financial literacy skill-building.

Upcoming Financial Literacy Programs

A Plan for My Money (All Ages) | April 2 at 2pm at Parr Library Ever wonder how money works? Join us for activities about earning, spending, and saving your money. Ticketed event

Introduction to Value Line (Adult) | April 4 at 1pm via Zoom - Register here Learn how to access Value Line and use it to evaluate stock trading information

Building Wealth – Beginner's Guide (Teen, Adult) | April 5 at 7pm via Zoom - Register here Secure your financial future by taking control of your financial choices. You can create personal wealth and meet your financial goals by using basic concepts to launch you towards the future you want

Also meets April 9 at 3pm at Parr Library. Ticketed event

10 Ways to Earn Extra Cash (Adult) | April 21 at 6:30pm via Zoom - Register here We can all use some extra cash from time to time – whether it's to take care of necessities, pay down debt or save for something special. Here are 10 ways to make some extra money. Presented by Bank of America

Salud Financiera Familiar: Conceptos Básicos Financieros (Teen, Adult) | April 23 at 2pm at Haggard Library Usando conceptos básicos de dinero y tomando el control de sus opciones financieras para lanzarlo hacia el futuro que desea. Ticketed event

Kids & Family

We talk with Instructor Ellen Solomon about the Art Shop program the library hosts often to help kids and families learn the basics of budgeting while being creative.

What can you create with $5.00? Browse our art shop for supplies to make your masterpiece! With play money received at the store entrance, purchase paper, markers, glue and scissors, and specialty supplies to make your work of art spectacular. Spend however you like, but budget wisely.

Upcoming Programs

Art Shop is scheduled to happen this summer, along with programs like Counting Coins, Art of Money, Party Planning and A Plan for My Money. The next sessions for Art Shop are:

• Wednesday, May 11 at 3pm at Schimelpfenig Library
• Wednesday, July 13 at 6pm at Haggard Library
• Wednesday, August 24 at 6pm at Haggard Library

Art Shop is a ticketed event. Tickets are available in-person beginning 30 minutes before the program starts.

Did You Know?

We speak with Librarian Bethany Ross about the Memory Keepers program, which has been running since 2019. During Memory Keepers, attendees share memories with guided prompts in a relaxing space. This program is for people who are experiencing early-stage dementia and a family member or care partner.

Upcoming Programs

Memory Keepers meets monthly on the third Monday at 10:30am via Zoom. You will need to register to attend.

• April 18: Music
• May 16: Travel
• June 20: Summer Fun
• July 18: Gamer
• August 15: School

Alzheimer's and Dementia Resources | Tuesday, June 14 at 11am via Zoom - Register here Learn the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and discover resources and programs for living well. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association and Plano Public Library

Dementia Conversations | Thursday, June 30 at 11am via Zoom - Register here When someone is showing signs of dementia, it's time to talk. Often, conversations with family can be challenging and uncomfortable. Learn tips for breaking the ice with your family to address difficult-to-discuss issues including seeing a doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association

Dementia-Friendly Programs in North Texas | Tuesday, July 12 at 11am via Zoom - Register here Socializing, sharing and collecting memories, and enjoying informal conversation are important strategies for individuals experiencing dementia and their families to combat isolation and depression. Hear about local programs from these North Texas organizations: Meadows Museum, Plano Public Library and The Wellness Center. Moderated by the Alzheimer's Association

Meet the Staff

We talk with Librarian Lauren Stotts about the variety of projects she does around the library, including storytime, scheduling and facilitating STEAM programs, and developing Spark Space interactive learning exhibits.

Upcoming Programs

littleBits Challenge | Saturday, April 2 at 3pm at Haggard Library Explore circuits through different challenges. This is a ticketed event

Paper Roller Coaster Challenge | Saturday, April 16 at 3pm at Haggard Library Design, build and test your own roller coaster in this engineering challenge. This is a ticketed event

Earthquake! (Grades K-5) | Saturday, April 23 at 3pm at Schimelpfenig Library Every year there are thousands of earthquakes around the globe! Learn how scientists know how strong they are and how engineers design structures to withstand the effects of an earthquake. This is a ticketed event

Collecting Stardust (Grades K-5) | Saturday, April 30 at 3pm at Haggard Library Build a mini-satellite to collect stardust in this space exploration challenge. This is a ticketed event.

Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library!

In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including using littleBits to make fun circuits, maintaining and upgrading professional skills and more. See our show notes below for details and links.

Learning & Leading

We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about ongoing professional skill-building. Some resources and programs mentioned in this segment: LinkedIn Learning – provides online training courses that cover a variety of topics (including business, design, web development and multimedia skills) and software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications)

Topics worth searching for on LinkedIn Learning:

§ Teamwork

§ Communication

§ Marketing

§ Time Management Skills

Upcoming Programs

Microsoft Excel: Basics – Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30pm

Microsoft Excel: Formulas & Functions – Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel Formulas and Functions and their uses Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30pm

Microsoft Excel: Budget Basics – Apply formulas and functions to the basics of budgeting in Microsoft Excel Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 22 at 6:30pm

Microsoft Excel: Pivot Tables – Learn how to create and use Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30pm

Create Your Elevator Speech (Adults) – Communicate your idea, who you are, or how you can benefit a company or organization in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. Learn how to design your pitch to get a positive response. Presented by Andrella Thomas from Capital One Virtual, Friday, March 4 at 2pm – Register

Career Trends with Business Source Complete (Teen, Adult) – Use EBSCO Business Source Complete to research industry trends. Sort industry information by career, location and potential earnings Virtual, Monday, March 7 at 1pm – Register

What Story Are You Telling? (Teen) – How others perceive you depends on your choice of words, actions, and even your appearance. If you're not intentional in telling your story, you may not have the influence or image you desire. Learn the importance of establishing a strong personal brand and the five steps you can take to achieve one. Presented by Debra

Austin, Chaos2Results Business Coaching & Consulting Virtual, Monday, March 14 at 2pm – Register

Kids & Family

We speak with Library Services Representative Amy Belotte about the upcoming littleBits Challenge program.

littleBits Challenge (All Ages) – Explore circuits through different challenges Haggard Library, Saturday, April 2 at 3pm

Check out our littleBits Synth Kit in our STEAM Kit collection (as mentioned by Bob) from the library. Search for it in the catalog to place a hold.

Did You Know?

We speak with Librarian Caitlyn Tipps about the Digital Creation Spaces and the technology available. Recently added software includes:

§ Unity – game coding software; free open-source

§ Visual Studio Code – coding software; free open-source (Needed to work with Unity)

§ Soundbridge – a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) works with DCS MIDI sound mixer; free open-source

§ UnReal Engine 4 – 3D design software; free open-source

Upcoming Programs

Unreal Engine: Basics (Teen, Adult) – Learn the basics of the Unreal Engine software and its potential uses for animation, video game development, lighting and more! All skill levels welcome Virtual, Wednesday, March 9 at 1pm – Register

Photoshop: Headshots (Adult) – Learn about headshot photography and editing using Photoshop. Virtual, Monday, April 18 at 6:30pm – Register

Audition: Podcast Editing (Teen, Adult) – Learn the basics of audio editing in Adobe Audition for Podcasting Virtual, Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30pm – Register

Meet the Staff

We speak with Library Services Representative Evan Gan about the variety of programs and tasks does at the library.

Some of The Write Workshop classes have been taught virtually and are recorded: · Oh, I Have An Idea! – Have an idea for a story, but need help getting started? Join Plano Public Library to brainstorm your next short story or best-selling novel! Check out resources on the blog. · The Construction of Space – Learn how to construct a literary space for your story using characters, object details, and a film-like lens. Check out resources on the blog. · The Manipulation of Time – How does time work in narratives? Learn how to manipulate the difference between a reader's experienced time and the story's fictionalized time to strengthen your narrative. Check our resources on the blog. · Check out our other National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) blog posts for additional resources on finding your voice, building characters and your final draft.

Evan also helps select and catalog the World Languages Collection for Chinese materials. The majority of this collection is at Haggard and Davis libraries, though you can place holds to get this collection at any of our locations. You can also access many books in Chinese through the Libby app. Evan selected and cataloged materials for the 2020 Texas Book Festival Collection Enhancement Grant, awarded to Schimelpfenig Library to add books in Chinese to the collection.