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Harvard Professor Naomi Oreskes speaks About Climate Change
Sunday, March 15 @ 4:00pm at the Orcas Island Community Church
A world-renowned science historian, Naomi Oreskes recently wrote a landmark book, Merchants of Doubt, revealing how a small, industry-financed group of spin-doctors has been repeatedly trying to muddle the public discourse on phenomena ranging from tobacco smoke to climate change. She will visit Orcas Island on Sunday, March 15, to counter this misinformation and address today's pressing question, "Why Should We Trust Climate Science?"
In this Orcas Currents event, Oreskes will draw on historical examples to demonstrate how science works in actual practice and why we should trust the widespread consensus that burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change. It is derived from a TED talk she presented last year in New York, "Why We Should Trust Scientists," which has already garnered over 835,000 views.
Organized by Orcas Currents and cosponsored by Orcas Island Pubic Library, Friends of the San Juans, and Coates Vineyards, the lecture will begin at 4:00 p.m. in Orcas Island Community Church, 176 Madrona Street, Eastsound. Afterwards the Orcas Island High School Environment Club will host a reception at the church. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
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Oreskes earned a Ph.D. from Stanford University in the history of science, specializing in earth and environmental sciences. Before coming to Harvard in 2013, she served as Professor of History and Science Studies at the University of California, San Diego, examining the history of plate tectonics and the theory of continental drift. She is particularly interested in trying to understand scientific consensus and dissent.
Naomi Oreskes is among the best-known and most-respected historians of science. Her articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Nature and Science. Her book Merchants of Doubt won the coveted Watson-Davis Prize of the History of Science Society.
This March SONY Pictures is releasing a feature-length documentary, "Merchants of Doubt," inspired by the book and starring Oreskes in a lead role. It is sure to raise the stakes by focusing a glaring light on fossil-industry attempts to obfuscate climate science. The trailer for the film can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ii9zGFDtc
This is the first in a series of three events involving science, technology and culture that Orcas Currents will be presenting this spring. Stay tuned for more information about future events, including: Thursday, May 14: Thor Hansen, on "The Triumph of Seeds"; Thursday, June 11: Gary Greene on "The Sea Floor Around Us."
We hope to reach the broadest possible segments of the Orcas community.
The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in Library-sponsored programs. Library production of or involvement in a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants. The Library welcomes recommendations from residents concerning programming. from Programs & Events Policy, adopted April 9, 2013
There she got to know the young men you will meet in MINOR DIFFERENCES. At the time, they were boys between the ages of 16 and 19.
learn a new language
Rosetta Stone® provides cutting-edge interactive technology that is changing the way the world learns. The company's proprietary language-learning techniques—acclaimed for their power to unlock the natural language-learning ability in everyone—are used by schools, businesses, government organizations and millions of individuals around the world. Rosetta Stone offers courses in 30 languages, from the most commonly spoken (like English, Spanish and Mandarin) to the less prominent (including Swahili, Swedish and Tagalog).
To access Rosetta Stone please enter your entire 14-digit library card barcode in the form window below.
Testing & Education Reference Center
The Testing & Education Reference Center is a start-to-finish resource with all the information and support materials needed to make informed, confident decisions to shape the rest of your life.
- Over 300 practice tests and courses
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To access the Testing & Education Reference Center you will need your entire 14-digit Orcas Island Library card number. Using this resource from your computer outside the Library requires a password. The password is orcas.
Follow the link to begin using the Testing & Education Reference Center.
friends store
The Friends of the Orcas Island Library has merchandise for sale*. Merchandise is available for purchase in the Library.
- Canvas Bags: $15
- Mugs: $15
- Hats: $12
- Bumper Stickers: $2.50
And, of course ... paperbacks ($1) and hardbound books ($2) in the Library lobby.
*All proceeds from the sale of merchandise help to further the mission and activities of the Friends of the Orcas Island Library.
what's a mooc?
What's a MOOC? It's a Massive Open Online Course. A MOOC is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web.
Coursera and EdX are two of the most popular providers of MOOCs. But, there are many more: visit our eLearning page. Or, visit MOOCs: Top 10 Sites for Free Education With Elite Universities.
ask orcas
Have you ever wondered where you or a friend can go for help with medical or mental health concerns? Or where to go to sign up for Food Stamps? Or how to fill out a disability claim? Sometimes, when we need help the most, it is hard to know where to turn.
Ask Orcas is a new collaborative program staffed by a team of skilled volunteers, trained to navigate available programs and services available on Orcas and surrounding areas. Volunteers will be available in person to assist with identifying opportunities, completing applications, and making connections to needed supports.
Starting on October 1st, Ask Orcas will be at the Orcas Public Library on Sundays from Noon-3 pm, at the Community Church on Tuesdays from 11-3, and at the Senior Center on Fridays from 11-3. There is no fee for service, no income qualification, and all client information is confidential. Or, call Ask Orcas- 376-7676- to connect to a volunteer advocate to help Orcas Islanders navigate the programs serving the Orcas community.
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Ask Orcas is a 6 month pilot program of the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF), developed in response to the results from our last community needs assessment; specifically, that a key barrier to getting needed supports was not knowing who to ask for help. With over 100 nonprofits and faith based organizations providing services, it is challenging at times to know who to turn to for a specific issue, or how to navigate between different services needed to address a larger issue. Ask Orcas will help steer people in the right direction. It will also help OICF, and the community at large, learn what the most pressing needs are for community members and where gaps and overlaps in available services exist.
For more information or to contact a volunteer, call 376-7676.
microsoft it academy
Microsoft IT Academy program provides industry-leading technology skills to help bridge the skills gap.
Microsoft IT Academy provides digital curriculum and certifications on fundamental technology skills -- as well as courses critical for learners of all ages to be successful in today's technologically evolving world.
Interested in free access to Microsoft training?
get our mobile app
The Orcas Island Library has a mobile app. Scan the QR code above, or download from wa.boopsie.com
Access the Library's online services using Washington State Library Now, the library app for Washingtonians.
Library Now works on mobile devices including Android, iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod and iPod Touch), Windows Phone 8, Windows Mobile, Windows 8, Kindle Fire, Blackberry, Palm, J2ME, and Symbian Series 60.