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A Recommended Picture Book for Black History Month: The 1619 Project Born on the Water

23 Feb

The book The 1619 Project Born on the Water is now available as a picture book for children. The book highlights the struggles of oppression and the slavery of  Black African Americans. The authors, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson takes the reader through the Kingdom of Ndongo to the 200 mile march along the Kwanza River that bridges the gap between Africa and the United States. This book gives young readers an insight of the lives of African Americans before they were enslaved. I am most captivated that Nikole Hannah-Jones chose to turn her book into a lyrical chronological format that consists of 36 poems. Nikkolas Smith’s illustrations in the book are very detailed and the colors chosen are earth tones which correlate with the story. The 1619 Project Born on the Water is now available to patrons at both our Main Branch and Grand Street Branch as well as from eLibraryNJ and eBCCLS.

By :
Vanetta River
Library Assistant 
Grand Street Branch 

Learn the Basics on Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies

9 Feb

I have family and friends who have invested in Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies, but it is something I’ve just begun learning about myself.  Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are a form of digital money that can be exchanged directly, person-to-person, without the need of a third party or bank intermediary and is not controlled by any group or government.

If you are curious to learn more, you can join us on Feb. 15th from 7-9 pm for a presentation with Lindsley D. Medlin, Jr Certified Blockchain Professional.™ In this presentation, you will learn about Bitcoin and why it is important.  You’ll get an understanding of how Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies work, and how to get started with bitcoin yourself.  The presentation will clear up some common misconceptions about Bitcoin. 

Lindsley Medlin is an international executive with more than 30 years of experience building and running businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and an MBA in Marketing, both from Rutgers University, as well as a Graduate Marketing Certificate from the SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas, Texas.  Additionally, he is a Certified Blockchain Professional™ who has studied Bitcoin in depth and is the Founder of the NJ Blockchain Center.  He teaches Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency at Columbia University and County College of Morris.

Zoom links will be sent out 24 hours prior to the event.  Register here to secure your spot! Email reference@hoboken.bccls.org for more information.

Interested in learning more, but can’t attend the program?  Here are four books that Mr. Medlin recommends on the topic.

The Bitcoin Standard
by Saifedean Ammous

The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous looks at the history of Bitcoin (the first successful form of digital cash), what has allowed Bitcoin to flourish and the implications Bitcoin could have on economics and politics in the future.  Ammous examines it as a possible apolitical, free-market alternative to national central banks.

Mastering Bitcoin
by Andreas Antonopoulos
Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulos provides an overview of what can feel like a confusing new system.  Antonopoulos provides the information readers need to begin understanding Bitcoin, the first popular decentralized digital money that has created a multi-billion-dollar global economy. Readers gain knowledge about Bitcoin and the supporting blockchain as well as its technical foundation and continued developments.

Cryptoassets
by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar bring their expertise to how investors can capitalize on bitcoin and blockchain technology in Cryptoassets.  They provide clear, concise, and accessible information about investing in cryptocurrencies, minimizing risks, and a look at Bitcoins impact on the future.

The Age of Cryptocurrency
by Paul Vigna & Michael Casey

In the Age of Cryptocurrency, Paul Vigna and Michael Casey look at the origins, functionality, importance, and useful information to prepare for the new era of digital currency.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager