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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Libraries Help Newbies Learn to Use eReaders

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Thursday, January 3, 2013   

BOISE, Idaho - New tech toys for Christmas usually bring new learning curves, and for Idahoans trying to make sense of new computers and other devices, many turn to the local library.

Libraries have become a bridge over the digital divide in recent years, says Teresa Lipus, public information specialist at the Idaho Commission for Libraries, whether folks are looking for access to the Internet or assistance in firing up their new devices.

"They're coming in to learn basic computer skills, or to learn how to use their new Kindle or whatever e-reader device they might have."

At the same time, books still rule as the top draw to local libraries, according to the latest collection of data by the commission. The statistics also show that book circulation still is rising, as are local library visits.

The number of Idahoans checking out electronic versions of books also is rising. Lipus says those check-outs have been limited by yet-to-be decided partnerships with book publishers about e-Books for libraries.

The commission's data shows that attendance at children's programs has been rising. Lipus says usage of those programs rose sharply when the economy soured.

"Somebody called libraries the first responders in times of economic downturn. They provide crafts, and they provide skills-building programs, and health and nutrition programs."

Libraries face budget challenges, she says. Most funding is local - and shaky in many communities where libraries have had to scale back on hours or offerings. The Boise Public Library discontinued its bookmobile last year to save money.

The Idaho library statistics are online at libraries.idaho.gov.


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