By Tracy Skousen, R.H. Johnson Library Director
The Data Resource Center at the R.H. Johnson Library, 13801 W. Meeker Blvd., has a lot of ways to help residents.
First, we have computers available for residents to use. For those who don’t have printers, or whose ink has dried up in the dry desert air, we have printing available. Black and white copies are 15 cents per page and color is 25 cents per page. Residents can send items to be printed from their home computers or devices by emailing print@suncitywest.com. Pick up print request at the check-in desk of the Data Resource Center.
The DRC is the place to sign up for all our library classes. This includes tech classes, craft classes, virtual reality experiences and one-on-one appointments. We have volunteers and staff that can help residents learn to use their iPhone and Android phone. We have classes on learning our new library system. If residents want to learn how to use our Libby app to download e-books and audiobooks to listen to through their mobile devices, we have classes and one-on-one sessions to fit your preference.
We also have charter clubs that come in to teach classes. Usually, we schedule these during the summer, but we do have some of the classes during the rest of the year. This year we had card clubs come teach several different card games and well as craft clubs teaching skills. It is a great way to try out a new skill or hobby and meet people from the clubs and learn what they are about.
Our virtual reality experience program lets our residents try out new technology and experience what virtual reality can look like. Sessions are limited to four people for an hour and a half session. Guests 10 years old and older can participate. Those under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. There are a variety of experiences to choose from. They usually last between four to 11 minutes. We have very passive experiences where you can sit back and just watch. These include tours of cities around the world or famous places. There are more intense experiences, such as a variety of roller coasters. We have some interactive games where you can interact and play games from pinball to skiing.
The Data Resource Center is open the same hours as the library — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. You can sign up in person or call 623-544-6644 to sign up for classes and virtual reality. To find our class schedules you can look at the library calendar online at scwlibrary.com, library section of the weekly enews or printed library calendars found in the library and at the Member Services office at R.H. Johnson Recreation Center, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd.
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