For years, artificial intelligence (AI) was one of two things: either in your Alexa or planning to take over the world. The reality is that AI can be a partner in your daily life. But where do we even start thinking about it that way? Join tech guru Paul Zimmerman as we explore what AI is, the different options and how to prompt them, how it fits our lives, the ethics behind AI, and answers to your questions. Paul Zimmerman is Director of Technology for the Blaine County School District. In that role, he has spearheaded innovative projects and worked with outside partners, such as Google and Nintendo, to bring new ideas to the district. He earned a Bachelor's of Science of Leadership from Bellevue University followed by a Master's Degree in Leadership. He is currently enrolled in a Human Capital Management PhD program. Paul was in the United States Air Force in the early 2000s now lives in Hailey, Idaho. He has also led bi-monthly Tech Help Desks at The Community Library since 2009.

The Community Library Book Club is hosted the first Wednesday of every other month and led by a diverse range of library staff. Books cover all genres from new fiction to classics to nonfiction, young adult, graphic novels, and everything in between. December 2024's selection is "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear. The discussion will be led by communications manager Kyla Merwin. No matter your goals, "Atomic Habits" offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights. More from the author here. Atomic Habits is available at The Community Library in multiple ...

This workshop is for writers and aspiring writers who have a powerful story to tell but don’t know how to begin. Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or just starting out, we will explore ways to create moving scenes, write captivating characters, and most importantly, put words to the blank page. The workshop will arm participants with tools to combat roadblocks, write with conviction, and leave with the creative momentum to keep going. The first hour of the workshop will focus on three short works by authors Tobias Wolff, Sandra Cisneros, and Meredith Hall (readings will be sent out to registered attendees). These readings will help writers identify and challenge their creative aesthetics while unlocking a fundamental craft element of powerful writing: what a scene is and what it contains. A lively discussion will accompany the readings. For the second hour, writers will be given two prompts followed by two 20-minute writing sessions. Writing prompts will focus on a singular image and/or scene. The goal will be to follow the heat of the moment and not let anything get in the way of the words. At the end, anyone who would like to share their work is welcome. Space is limited. ...

Author Rebecca Anne Nguyen joins us to discuss her new novel, "The 23rd Hero": On the verge of being forced to live in an underground bunker due to climate crisis, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary memory is recruited for a time travel program to stop environmental disasters before they happen. But when she falls in love with the program's mysterious founder, she must learn to believe in herself and her abilities before she's sent to sixteenth century France with no way to save the world or return to the man she loves. Nguyen will share an excerpt from the book, talk about her writing, and take your questions. A book signing will follow. Rebecca Anne Nguyen (she/her) is the winner of the 2024 Reader's Choice Award for Best Adult Book (Bronze) for her debut novel, "The 23rd Hero," and the recipient of the 2019 Foreword Indies Award (Silver) for the memoir "Where War Ends." Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Insider, and Slackjaw, among others. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.