WiFi, Internet access and Starbucks?

The Huntington Beach Public Library has offered free WiFi access to our patrons for quite some time now. Our WiFi is heavily used - you can see laptop users all over the library and even outside on the grass, using this service everyday. Most libraries are the only source for free WiFi in their communities. We are always working on sustaining and maintaining our WiFi and Internet access, so everyone has the opportunity to access these vital resources.

Today I heard that Starbucks has announced that they will be launching free unlimited WiFi in all of their stores in the US on July 1. I applaud Starbucks for making this available - I'm all for more and expanded access.

Starbucks has also announced another new service coming this Fall - the Starbucks Digital Network, developed in partnership with Yahoo. The announcement was made at the Wired Business Conference, and information was posted on the Starbucks site - Starbucks wants their clientele to have a great digital experience while getting a cup of coffee.

This got me thinking about digital experience. What is a digital experience? What makes for a great digital experience? Is it the ability to be on your smartphone or laptop while getting a latte? Is it being able to multitask while getting your caffeine? Apparently, Starbucks feels that the quality of your digital experience is important to the success of their business.

So for libraries, what is the quality of the digital experience that we give our patrons? Do we give people a GREAT digital experience? What can we do to provide a better experience, digitally? What do you think makes for a great digital experience? We've done some surveys here about how our web site works and other kinds of digital services, but how do you really define this "great digital experience"?

I do feel that libraries have gotten better at providing digital experiences, but I know we have a lot of work to do. It will be interesting to see what these changes mean for our local coffee shops.

Summer time, and the reading is easy...

Today I definitely had the sense that Summer is coming - today our "June Gloom" seemed to be letting up a bit and there are hints of sunshine in the Park. The birds are out and there seems to be a lot of activity in the Park, and everyone seems to be attending graduations and talking about summer plans and summer time activities.

This time of year always means that things are about to get REALLY busy at the Library. Our Summer Reading programs are already gearing up - the Festival of Folktales is our official launch on June 29, when the library turns into a amazing story telling arena. Summer Reading always marked the real beginning of summer for me when I was young. It does so even more now, as a librarian.

Our Summer Reading programs are looking really good this year - the theme is Water and we plan all kinds of educational programs on water conservation and the oceans. It couldn't be more timely with the Gulf Oil spill and the ongoing water issues in California. As a beach city, water plays a central role in our lives. Come on in and make a splash and a few waves with us!

Everyone can participate - we have reading programs for children, Teens and Adults.