1. BreakingNews QR Codes are so easy… well, you’ll see.

2. John Ross is visiting the library ona Saturday afternoon.

3. John Ross

4. “Let’s check out this month’s newsletter.”

6. “Hey, there’s a program for kids called ‘Hola Amigos’ happening tomorrow. That sounds like a lot of fun! It says I can scan this barcode with my smartphone to register. Let’s try it!”

8. Scanning…

10. “Alright, I’m all registered! I can’t wait to go to ‘Hola Amigos’ tomorrow!”

11. The next day, John Ross went back to the library for ‘Hola Amigos.’ When John Ross registered, he had expected to learn some cool Spanish words and maybe meet some new friends. He was definitely not prepared for what he saw when he arrived…

13. Her name was Sophia and she was the most beautiful girl John Ross had ever seen!

15. “Ahem!” said Ms. Ing “It looks like we have a nuevo amigo! Why don’t you come out of the doorway and sit next to Sophia for ‘Hola Amigos’?”

18. John Ross tried to concentrate on what Ms. Ing was saying but all he could think about was how to strike up a conversation with Sophia.

19. “Ok, everyone, let’s grab a partner and practice our Spanish!” Ms. Ing shouted.

20. This was John Ross’ chance! He couldn’t speak a word of Spanish but he would partner with Sophia!

22. “Me llamo Sophia! ¿Como se llama?” Sophia said.

23. “Uhhhhhhhhhhhh,” stammered John Ross. It was all that he could get out!

24. “You’re quiet, aren’t you?” asked Sophia.

25. “No! I just don’t know any Spanish, yet!” John Ross explained.

26. Ms. Ing interrupted, “You two were talking so much you must be fluent in Spanish! It’s time to say ‘¡Hasta luego! Until next time!’ ”

28. John Ross waved bye-bye to Sophia and Ms. Ing and decided that he would come back tomorrow and find an audiobook that would help him learn Spanish! He was going to impress Sophia so much! “What an interesting day!” he thought.

29. The next day, John Ross headed to the library. He had a lot of research to do!

30. When he got there, he asked the clerk where he could find the audiobooks. “Up, over, and around that way!” the clerk said. John Ross took off…

37. “I think this is the section!”

39. “Here are the language audiobooks. Wait, there’s another one of those codes! Let’s scan it!”

40. Scanning…

41. John Ross downloaded the Mango Languages App from the App Store.

43. “Wow! I can use this database right from my smartphone. How convenient! I am always looking for ways to fit things into my busy schedule.”

44. John Ross took a seat and started into the first lesson.

46. “Hmmmmm, paella. That sounds interesting. I bet the kids at ‘Hola Amigos’ would love it if I brought in some of that! I hope Sophia will like it!”

47. “I am going to see if I can find a recipe for this in one of the library’s magazines.”

49. “Well, what do you know? Another code, and this one looks like it’s for a recipe app that I can use on my iPad!! I’m going to scan it so I can cook paella for ‘Hola Amigos’ at home!”

50. Scanning…

51. “Ok, time to head home and try out this app!”

52. When John Ross got home, he opened the app and searched for a paella recipe. “Here’s one that looks really yummy!”

55. e I am cookin’ e e I am cookin’ e e I am cookin’ e e Hey Hey HeyHey! e

57. “What? You don’t sing when you’re cooking?”

58. John Ross finished up the paella and placed it in the fridge.

59. The next day, John Ross started thinking: “So, I’m learning Spanish, I’ve made an authentic Spanish dish. I feel like there’s something I’m missing.”

60. “I don’t really know anything about Spanish culture. I bet the library has plenty of materials that can help me learn about that!”

61. “I’m going to call the Reference Desk! I remember seeing a code on the front of the newsletter that will help me call them!”

63. Scanning…

65. “Reference Desk. This is Madonna speaking. How may I help you?”

66. “Hi, I am looking for some library materials to help me learn more about Spanish culture. Could you help me with that?”

67. “Sure I can! Would you like books, DVDs, Music CDs?”

68. “A DVD would be great! You can put it on hold for me, JOHN ROSS.”

69. “Will do! I will put it on the shelf right now.”

70. “Thank you so very much! Er, I mean MuchasGracías!”

71. “¡De nada!”

74. The next day, John Ross headed to the library. He had a DVD to pick up!

75. When he got there, he asked the clerk where he could find the holdshelf. “Up, over, and around that way!” the clerk said. John Ross took off…

82. “Here is my DVD!”

85. “Hmmm, what’s this on the back of it?”

87. “Another code! Let’s scan it!”

88. Scanning…

90. “Wow! It’s a YouTube video that will teach me how to do the Cha Cha! I can’t wait to go home and watch this DVD and learn how to Cha Cha!”

91. John Ross went home. He watched that DVD. He watched that YouTube Video.

92. “I am sooooo ready for ‘Hola Amigos’ this weekend!” he thought.

93. That Sunday couldn’t come soon enough. John Ross grabbed his paella and practically ran to the library. “Be careful John Ross!”

94. “¡Hola Amigos! ¡Traigo un regalodelicioso!” “Hello Friends! I brought a delicious treat!”

98. “Wow! This paella is muydeliciosa!” exclaimed Sophia. “I thought paella was supposed to have only seafood in it but this has sausage and chicken too,” Sophia wondered aloud.

99. “Actually, traditional Valencian Paella, or paella valenciana has meat and sometimes seafood. I think you’re thinking of seafood paella or paella de mariscos,” John Ross explained.

100. “John Ross! I had no idea you knew so much about Spanish culture! Where did you learn it all?” Sophia asked, astounded.

101. “At the library!” John Ross said, matter-of-factly. John Ross didn’t tell Sophia how easy it really was. All he had to do was scan the codes that the library had posted.

102. “Hey Sophia, you want to know what else I learned?” “Yeah! What else did you learn, John Ross?” “¡Como bailar la cha cha! How to dance the cha cha!! Want to dance with me?” John Ross asked.

103. “Sure, but I don’t know it so you’ll have to lead!” Sophia said.

104. “Ok, follow my lead!” John Ross said reaching out for Sophia’s hand. “¡Vamos a bailar!” Boom!!!

106. Lessons Learned 1. Sometimes you need more than a YouTube video to learn how to dance! 2. Your library can provide your smartphone-using patrons with on-the-go access to a variety of different mobile resources. It’s augmented reality!

108. Sophia Schmetzer

109. Amy Schmetzer

110. IngKalchthaler

111. Madonna Hunt

112. Isaac Goubert