Los Alamos County Library staff hold a virtual meeting Tuesday morning. Courtesy/LACBy KIRSTEN LASKEYLos Alamos Daily Postkirsten@ladailypost.comThe doors of the Los Alamos County’s libraries may be locked and their interiors dark but looks can be deceiving.The fact is the pandemic shuttered the physical buildings but online, the Los Alamos County Library System is operating at full steam with a multitude of services. Library patrons can check out the libraries’ offerings at their webpage.“I would like for the public to know that even though we are physically closed, there are a number of resources available online in digital format,” Library Manager Eileen Sullivan said. “And our library staff is working behind the scenes to increase access to our eBooks and audiobooks and other digital services.”Online, library patrons can find anything from streaming music and movies to eBooks and eMagazines.Sullivan said the library provides access to a variety of electronic content through Overdrive and Hoopla. Plus, patrons can explore RBDigital, which is an online magazine collection.The library just added movies to OverDrive. On Overdrive, patrons can check out eBooks for 14 days, audiobooks for 21 days and streaming videos for five days. Additionally, they can borrow up to seven items and put up to eight items on hold.If they are checking out material on Hoopla, then eBooks, audiobooks and comics can be borrowed up to 21 days. Movies and TV shows can be streamed up to three days, and music for seven days.As for RBDigital, there are more than 54 magazines available to borrow and there is no limit on how many can be checked out each month. For Hoopla content, patrons can borrow up to eight items per month. Sullivan said this was increased from the usual four items per month.Additionally, she said that library staff are issuing temporary library cards by phone to those who haven’t applied for a card prior to the shutdown.Sullivan said the libraries have other services available online. She said the library system is hosting a fun online challenge called Books Gone Viral Bingo Challenge. It encourages participants to try out various activities such as reading a poetry anthology, playing a board game and hosting a video chat. When an activity is completed, participants mark on their “bingo sheet”.Once a row on the sheet is complete, they are encouraged to take a selfie with it and post it on the County’s Community Services Department Facebook page.For students who are homeschooling during the school closures, Sullivan said there are numerous resources to assist with schoolwork at any age, including online homework and tutoring help through Brainfuse. She added there also is Kids Information Bits, which provides age-appropriate magazines and reference that are specifically geared towards children.Plus, patrons can access anything from Mango Connect to learn a new language to Heritage Quest to research their families’ roots.Sullivan said the library system’s online services are popular.“Definitely,” she said, “We are seeing an increase in electronic checkouts.”Sullivan added having the library’s services available to the public, especially now, is important.“I think this is a particularly unusual time we are going through and there is a lot of uncertainty and anything our library can do to continue to serve our public and community is valuable,” she said. “I think people’s needs vary greatly. Some need entertainment and distraction … other people have very specific information needs – whether homeschooling a child, learning a new skill, or staying informed about our current crisis and I think it is important for us to be present and available to offer services to the community during this time.”For questions, information or assistance, library staff is available to help. Sullivan said a librarian is at the library 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Patrons can call 505.662.8250 or email libweb@lacnm.us.
Legal Maneuver Makes Minor Theft Charges Serious Crimes Punishable by Prison Time
Minor petty larceny charges often become felonies punishable with prison time under a policy retailers employ against shoplifters, according to a new report from Manhattan public defenders.A month-long investigation conducted by New York County Defender Services data analysts found that 39% of its clients charged with burglary in the third degree — a felony — had actually taken items worth less than $1,000, a crime typically prosecuted as misdemeanor petty larceny.The reported thefts took place at 14 different stores: Bloomingdale’s, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall’s, Rite Aid, Sephora, Fine Fare, Macy’s, Century 21, DSW, Duane Reade, the Apple Store, Walgreens, the Gap and Lord & Taylor. Several of the stores, including Duane Reade, had reported shoplifting incidents at several Manhattan locations.- Sponsor – Outside Manhattan, petty larceny cases rarely become third-degree burglary charges, said Christopher Boyle, director of data research and policy at New York County Defender Services. The reported thefts took place at 14 different stores: Bloomingdale’s, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall’s, Rite Aid, Sephora, Fine Fare, Macy’s, Century 21, DSW, Duane Reade, the Apple Store, Walgreens, the Gap and Lord & Taylor. Several of the stores, including Duane Reade, had reported shoplifting incidents at several Manhattan locations.Outside Manhattan, petty larceny cases rarely become third-degree burglary charges, said Christopher Boyle, director of data research and policy at New York County Defender Services. “This has been going on for more than 20 years,” he said. “You don’t see this in the other boroughs, but you see it here.”Of the 47 accused shoplifters whose charges were boosted to felonies, 18 — or 38% — were homeless, the data shows. Thirty-five — 74% — had bail set at between $1,000 and $30,000 while they awaited trial.Twenty of the 29 cases for which the defenders have sentencing data — 69% — resulted in jail or… NY Daily News Stay UpdatedGet critical information for loss prevention professionals, security and retail management delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now
‘Pogba is Man Utd’s best player – he has to start!’
Owen Hargreaves has urged Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to keep the faith with Paul Pogba against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.The Frenchman has been heavily criticised in recent weeks for his poor performances in the middle of the park, most recently during United’s 2-2 draw at Southampton on Saturday.The World Cup winner was guilty of relinquishing possession on a number of occasions, while also offering little in attacking situations as Mourinho’s men dropped eight points behind Arsenal in the race for a top-four finish. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Man Utd ready to spend big on Sancho and Haaland in January Who is Marcus Thuram? Lilian’s son who is top of the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach Brazil, beware! Messi and Argentina out for revenge after Copa controversy Best player in MLS? Zlatan wasn’t even the best player in LA! A win against the Gunners could close that gap significantly and, ahead of the huge clash at Old Trafford, former United midfielder Hargreaves has backed Pogba to retain his place in the starting XI.”He’s their best midfield player, he should start, regardless of what’s going on behind the scenes,” he told BT Sport.”As much as he and the team are struggling, they need him because he’s their best player.”I don’t understand the benefit of having him on the bench.”Hargreaves also discussed Pogba’s overall game in greater detail, suggesting that he and United will have to improve on their recent displays to avoid another disappointing result.”I can’t think of an Arsenal team that can go to Old Trafford and be dubbed as favourites, but Pogba’s display against Southampton along with everyone else was poor,” he added.”When Pogba plays poorly it’s when he takes too many touches. There was frustration on his part and he made some poor decisions.”Arsenal are currently unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions and come into their latest fixture fresh from a thrilling 4-2 derby win against Tottenham last weekend.Meanwhile, United are now without a win in three Premier League games and cannot afford to lose any more ground in the table ahead of a hectic winter schedule. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
Haile Selassie High to be re-opened on Thursday following Early Dismissal on Wednesday Due to noxious Fumes
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to advise that Haile Selassie High located on Spanish Town road in Kingston, will be reopened on Thursday March 8, 2018. Principal Lorenzo Ellis indicated that at about 6 this morning there was smoke and the smell of fumes at the institution. It was also reported to him by staff and members of the community that the source of the problem could have been from the Riverton City dump or any of the factories in the industrial belt that surrounds the school. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information wishes to advise that Haile Selassie High located on Spanish Town road in Kingston, will be reopened on Thursday March 8, 2018.This follows Wednesday’s early dismissal due to the presence of noxious fumes at the institution.Principal Lorenzo Ellis indicated that at about 6 this morning there was smoke and the smell of fumes at the institution.It was also reported to him by staff and members of the community that the source of the problem could have been from the Riverton City dump or any of the factories in the industrial belt that surrounds the school.Staff and students began to complain of chest pains and headaches while some with asthmatic and sinus conditions experienced complications.One teacher was taken to hospital after having difficulty breathing.Following consultations with the school board and education officer, it was decided that the school be closed early at 8:39 am to protect staff and students.Education Youth and Information Minister Senator Ruel Reid says the school made an immediate request of the Kingston and St. Andrew Public Health Department to do a site visit to investigate the possible causes and conduct an air quality test. Story Highlights