NEWS RELEASE
JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA
July 26, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JPL PETTING ZOO!
Library Introduces New Way to Inspect, Evaluate Technology
METAIRIE, LA - The Technology Petting Zoo, an innovative educational way for patrons to explore new technology on their own terms, is now available at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.
The Technology Petting Zoo will be available to patrons from Aug. 4 to Sept. 29. Hours of operation are:
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays.
- 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
The exhibit featuring petting zoo items is located by the gift shop in the main hall of the library. This event is free of charge and open to the public.
The technology petting-zoo is a collection of tech devices available to patrons and staff at the library to test-drive so they can learn how they operate. The common devices included are e-Readers, tablets, laptops and digital audio devices. Some zoos include a wider assortment of devices including cameras, virtual reality, 3D Printers, Chromebooks, WIFI hotspots, IPads, GPS devices, and new technologies such as Chrome Cast or Raspberry Pi.
“There’s a dizzying array of devices available,” says Riccardo Mesa, IT Network Supervisor for the library. “This is a great way for patrons to compare and handle the different options so they can purchase the device that will best work for them.”
Many people already own many of the devices in petting zoos but under-utilize their devices. Some people are thinking about buying new technology but are unsure of what they want. Still, others are terrified of technology, but understand they will have to ‘evolve or die’. Having a petting zoo provides you with a way to service all of these people.
Patrons can touch the devices, use them, and ask questions. Patrons can walk up during open hours to ask questions about our library technology, catalog, classes, digital resources.
For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at (504) 889-8143 or wcsmith@jplibrary.net.
In accordance with provisions of the American with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, as amended, Jefferson Parish shall not discriminate against individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. If you require auxiliary aids or devices, or other reasonable accommodation under the ADA Amendments Act, please submit your request to the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance or as soon as practical. A 72-hour advanced notice is required to request Certified ASL interpreters. ADA Coordinator/Office of Citizens with Disabilities 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 403, Elmwood, LA 70123, (504) 736-6086, ADA@jeffparish.net.
The Jefferson Parish Library system consists of 16 locations that stretch from the Lakeshore Branch on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain to the Grand Isle Branch just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. The library system consists of two large regional libraries and seven branches on each side of the Mississippi River. The East Bank Regional Library (4747 West Napoleon Avenue, Metairie) serves as library headquarters. The Jefferson Parish Library is the second largest system in the state of Louisiana. More than 200 employees work for the Jefferson Parish Library including librarians, administration and support staff. For more information, contact the library at (504) 838-1100 or www.jefferson.lib.la.us.
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.
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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123 |
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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO |
