THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 19, 2024 Page 7 Everett Public Libraries launch “24 in ’24” reading challenge T he Everett Public Libraries are excited to announce the commencement of the “24 in ’24” reading challenge – inviting community members to participate in a yearlong reading journey that will culminate in a prize funded by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. “Before COVID, we had challenges like this where we asked patrons to read the number of books for whatever year it was, like 15 in ’15, 16 in ’16, and so on,” says Adult Services Librarian Kathleen Slipp. “It was a great way to connect with the community and encourage reading for patrons of all ages. We decided that since it’s been a few years, and since our patrons enjoy the Summer Reading challenge so much, it’s high time that we brought the yearlong challenge back!” Patrons of all ages are encouraged to participate in the program, where they are asked to read 24 books over the course of the year. While the challenge officially began on January 1, participants may join whenever they like. The only requirement is that each person reads and logs 24 books by the December 31 deadline. As with other reading challenges in reThe Financially Motivated Sextortion Threat FBi warns about dangers of online schemes targeting young adults and minors T he FBI this week issued a new warning about an evolving online threat targeting minors and young adults: fi - nancially motivated sextortion. In these schemes, predators typically pretend to be alluring young girls to befriend teen boys—often on social media and gaming platforms. The predators then trick these teens into exchanging sexually explicit material or believing the predators have already obtained it. Once the scammers have a victim’s pictures or video, they demand money to keep the explicit material from being shared with the victim’s family and friends. Even when victims comply, scammers often demand more money and escalate the threats. The FBI saw a 20% increase in reports of fi nancially motivated sextortion incidents targeting minors during a six-month period that ended in March 2023, compared to the previous year. The scam is the latest iteration of sextortion, which has historically been driven by sexual gratifi cation and control, but is now mostly motivated by greed. Minors and young adults caught in this trap often feel isolated, embarrassed, and cornered with seemingly no way out. In some cases, victims have turned to self-harm and suicide. The FBI is urging parents, educators, caregivers, teens, and young adults to fully understand the dangers of fi nancially motivated sextortion and to know there are options for those who need help. “The consequences of sextortion are being felt across the country,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We and our partners will relentlessly pursue criminals who perpetuate this deplorable activity.” Anyone being exploited in a sextortion scheme should do the following: • Understand you are not at fault and you are not alone • Ask for help from a trusted adult or law enforcement before sending money or more imagFBI WARNS | SEE PAGE 7 memberspluscu.org 781-905-1500 MEDFORD NORWOOD DORCHESTER EVERETT PLYMOUTH 1Mobile carrier fees may apply. WINCHESTER cent years, logging will take place on Beanstack, which is available for download as an app, accessible via the web at www.everett.beanstack.com or by scanning the accompanying QR code. Patrons can also opt to track their reading by hand with a paper log that is available for pickup at either library. “The new year is a great time to set goals for ourselves, and for many people that can include a reading goal. The great thing about this challenge is that any book counts, so long as you finish it. I will personally be logging e-books, audiobooks, and graphic novels as part of my 24 books, and I encourage others to do so as well,” says Information Services Librarian Sofi a Safran. Library Director Kevin Sheehan adds, “It’s a bit of an ambitious goal for some of us, but some good strategies are picking good books you’ll want to read, picking a series like Harry Potter, Jack Reacher, or The Chronicles of Narnia, and/or reading in the morning or afternoon rather than the evening if you’re exhausted after a long day. We’ve compiled some staff favorites to help with selection as well, which you can ask for at either library or view on our online catalog at bit.ly/ EVEopac.” For further information regarding the reading challenge, or with any questions about Beanstack, please contact the Parlin Memorial Library at 617-394-2300 or the Shute Memorial Library at 617-394-2308. ZIPPO ZERO NADA ZILCH NOTHING BEATS OUR NO-FEE MONTHLY FEES: ZIPPO MINIMUM BALANCE: ZERO NETWORK ATM FEES (30,000 LOCATIONS): NADA WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO QUALIFY: ZILCH CHECKING! PLUS: FREE Debit, Mobile & Online Banking1 Open an account in minutes at memberspluscu.org or visit any branch.
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