Are you always on the lookout for what's new at the library?  We've got an amazing new resource for you!

Wowbrary is a weekly email newsletter that gives you information on the newest items added to the Howard Miller Library collection.  

Sign up is super easy and only requires an email address.  Wowbrary allows you to find specific genres, connect with Libby and see what's happening on Facebook.  It can also connect you directly to our card catalog allowing you to place holds on new items.  

Here's a sample of what you will receive each week.  

Why do people use these lamps?

Light Therapy Lamps are excellent for people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  The lamp mimics natural outdoor light and is thought to affect brain chemicals that provide relief from symptoms of SAD and other forms of depression.  

Michigan is one of the greyest states in the country so people might also just want some simulated sunshine.

Who can check out the lamps?

Library card holders who are over 18 years old and are in good standing (fines below $10) can check a lamp out.  

How long are the lamps available for check out?

Lamps have a check-out period of 1 week.

How do you use the lamp?

The risk of injury from using a Light Therapy Lamp is possible.  It is important to avoid looking directly at the light.  Place the lamp so the light hits your face.  Long press the Power button to set a timer on the lamp for 30 minutes.

110+ Languages Are At Your Fingertips: Transparent Language Online Now Available FREE at Howard Miller Library!

Planning a trip to Italy to celebrate your anniversary? Collaborating with your Chinese counterparts in your company’s Beijing branch? Just want to brush up that language you studied for four years in school, but somehow can’t seem to remember at all? We’ve got you covered. 

We are excited to announce that we now offer Transparent Language Online free to all Howard Miller Library card holders. Whether you’re starting at the very beginning with a new alphabet or you’re an intermediate learner looking to enhance your vocabulary and grammar knowledge, Transparent Language Online can help. Available for learning 110+ languages, plus English (ESL) materials for native speakers of 30+ languages, the program has something for everyone:

• Alphabet Courses: Full-length alphabet courses are available for 18+ languages to familiarize you with new writing systems, empowering you to learn one (or more!) of those “intimidating” languages like Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, or Arabic.

• Essentials Courses: These courses guide you through 30+ lessons of pure language fundamentals, including meeting and greeting, expressing wants and needs, planning for a trip, dealing with money, asking for help, and beyond.

• General Vocabulary: Hundreds of topically-organized vocabulary lists will teach you thousands of new words and phrases through a completely redesigned suite of fun, interactive activities that build all four core language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. No more drilling paper flashcards!

• Grammar Reference: An extensive index of grammar materials rounds out the learning experience, providing both written and multimedia explanations of grammar rules and patterns.

Worried that you won’t be able to learn on your own? A customizable Learning Path allows you to choose what you want to learn, while an integrated analytics system tracks your progress, periodically prompting you to review material that you haven’t seen in a while. It’s like having a built-in teacher there to keep you on track toward your language-learning goals.

Best of all, Transparent Language Online works on any Internet-connected device, so you can learn from your laptop, phone, or tablet. 

To learn more about Transparent Language Online swing by the library for a demo and to set up a free account. 

NOTE:  You will need your Howard Miller Library card to set up your account.  You can access the program directly and open your account by following this link.  

Herrick District Library card holders can access Herrick's language learning resource by following this link and looking for "Mango Languages" under the Research & Learn tab.