We want to keep you informed of news and updates in the world of early literacy and digital learning. Here are a few relevant reports and articles from the last few weeks:

• Promoting Early Childhood Education ‘is Imperative’ (The Guardian)
• The Kids Are Still Not Alright: Why Universal Preschool Would Help Boost the Economy (US News & World Report)
• Libraries Change Lives: The New Role of Public Libraries (Ebook Friendly)
• Games Increasingly Find a Seat in the Classroom: Are Educational Games a Fad or Are They Here to Stay? (MeriTalk)

Customer Support Tip: Have You Upgraded to Version 12?

If your AWE Learning workstation is under warranty and you haven’t upgraded to Version 12 yet, you’re eligible! Version 12 includes new content, new features, and much more. Contact the AWE Learning Support Team to confirm your eligibility and get your upgrade started!

Note: The Version 12 upgrade will require your Admin Panel password. If you forgot your password or it needs to be reset, please alert the AWE Learning Support Team in your request.

Introducing AWE Learning Advocates

AWE Learning Advocates are long-time users of our workstations, who provide feedback, testing, and evaluations of our products in development. Charter members include:

• Executive Director for Bernardsville Public Library, NJ
• Technical Services Coordinator for Eastern Oklahoma District Library System, OK
• Director for Round Lake Library, NY
• Youth Services Coordinator for Burlington County Library System, NJ
• Children’s Librarian for Huntington Beach Library, CA
• IT Systems Manager for Mobile Public Library, AL

If you’re interested in joining our Advocates group, contact us to learn more!

A “Back to School” History Lesson

In honor of August as “Back to School” month, here’s a crash course in the history of libraries, and a crossword puzzle quiz to test what you’ve learned!

1638: Harvard University established the first academic library with a donation of 400 books.
1835: New York established the first school library – open to both students and the general public.
1848: The first public library was established in Boston, making it the first free municipal library supported by taxpayer funds.
1876: American Library Association (ALA) was established.
1932: University of Chicago established the first graduate school library.
1991: Periodicals went online helping libraries to control costs and manage the size of their collections.
2009: The library system in Orange County, Florida became the first to offer catalogues accessible by mobile devices.
(Source)