Wait, You Can Do That at the Library?: Preserving Family Memories

The holidays are coming up and that might mean you may see family members you haven't seen in a while. This is a great time to break out the old shoeboxes full of family photos or the dusty VHS tapes of home family videos so that you can reminisce together. Now, you might think to yourself, "Self, how do I view these moments in time with my family if I don't have a VCR anymore?" Or, "Self, my family lives across the country and there's no way I'm paying for an extra checked bag by carrying these photo albums on the plane." Or, "Self, I need to clear out my house before company arrives and what better way than tossing these things taking up space?" We have a solution to some of your problems: our Digital Studio!*

Scan of a 35mm color slide from circa November 1972

Digital Studio 101

So what is the Digital Studio and how can someone use it to preserve their family memories? According to our Digital Studio webpage, "The Digital Studio will provide patrons 18+ with the means to digitally organize and preserve audio and video family history through the use of our scanners, computers, and software. The Digital Studio is intended for those who want to use the library's photo digitization equipment, audio cassette tape or VHS conversion equipment." 

The Digital Studio opened to the public in 2021 and is located on the first floor of the library opposite the Newspapers & Magazines desk near the Franklin Street entrance. Our Digital Studio has two PCs and two Macs, but this post is going to focus on the PCs and the equipment connected to them. 

Digital Studio

Baby Photos, Family Vacations, Family Portraits, and More

Our two PCs on the right side of the Digital Studio are used for separate purposes: the PC on the left is used for digitizing photos, slides, and negatives and the one on the right is used for converting VHS tapes and cassette tapes to digital video and audio files. 

We have two Epson scanners for digitizing print photos: a Epson Perfection V39 flatbed scanner used to scan one photo at a time and a Epson FastFoto FF-680W high-speed scanner that can quickly scan batches of approximately 30 photos of similar sizes at a time. The included Epson software allows for scanning customization (For example, you may use a specific image file format or resolution size if you're sharing the photo on social media versus needing a higher quality image in order to print an enlarged photo to hang on your wall).

Photo circa 1970s and the scanned image using the Epson Perfection V39 flatbed scanner

Epson FastFoto FF680-W

Finally, we have a Kodak Scanza digital film scanner that can be used to digitize slides and negatives. Most of the slides and negatives scanned using this machine are 35mm (this is what you probably have at home if you have any slides or negatives). Incidentally, the same model of the Kodak Scanza digital film scanner is available to borrow from our Library of Things collection at both the Main Library and the Frances Perkins Branch. Ask our librarians if you need help putting a LOT digital film scanner on hold. Note: a regular SD card is required to use any of our digital film scanners.

Slide Carousel with Slides of Al Banx Cartoons

Kodak Scanza Digital Film Scanner with Negative of an Old WPL Branch

Wedding Videos, School Plays, Oral Histories and More

On the video side of things, we use VidBox equipment and its included software attached to a VCR to convert VHS tapes to MP4 files in real time. In addition, we might be able to convert hi-8 tapes using a camcorder or VHS-C tapes using a VHS-c cassette adapter. Please talk to our Digital Studio staff if you have a specific question about converting videos. Unfortunately, we do not have the equipment to convert Super 8 film reels. 

Using the VidBox and VCR to Convert VHS Tape

We have the ability to convert cassette tapes to MP3 audio files in real time using a special cassette player along with Audacity software on the same PC that is used for VHS conversion. You can also use Audacity to edit the audio files after you convert them.

Super USB Cassette Capture Device

Saving and Sharing the Memories

You will need a flash drive or other method of storage to externally save your new image, audio, or video files because our computers are designed to wipe the files at the end of each computer session. There are many options for sharing your newly saved files with friends and family across the country, including using a shared cloud storage account, emailing the files, uploading to your social media account, or even snail mailing the storage device.

Teaching the Basics

Of course, we're not going to make you use all of this new-to-you equipment without giving you some instructions on how to use them. In fact, our Digital Studio orientations are mandatory in order for you to be able to use the equipment in the future. We've found that people take comfort in these orientations because they learn to use the equipment more confidently with a little metaphorical handholding. Once you are fully certified with a snazzy Certificate of Completion, the training wheels come off and you will be able to use any of this equipment by yourself without us sitting next to you. 

Certificate of Completion

Accessing the Digital Studio

Those who have received a Certificate of Completion for attending our orientations may use the space for up to two hours on a first come, first serve basis. We do block off access to the digitization and conversion section of the Digital Studio for our dedicated orientation appointment slots on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 P.M. and on occasion we will block off the space for scheduled one-on-one appointments with people who aren't able to make it to the Wednesday orientations. Other than that, as long as no one else is using a specific computer, that space can be all yours for the two hours once you sign in with our Newspapers & Magazines department staff. 

Touching Up Your Images or Videos

Now we did mention the Macs before, and while they're not directly used with our equipment to preserve your family photos or videos, they can be used if you want to use the Adobe Creative Cloud software to edit your files. In fact, the Digital Studio PC used for digitizing photos, slides, and negatives also has Adobe Creative Cloud (so does our Adobe computer on the 2nd floor). So, if you want to touch up a faded photo or remove an estranged relative from an image, you can freely use our Photoshop software to edit the photos. We do not offer any classes or tutorials on using any of the Adobe Creative Cloud software so it is expected you know how to use them. Access to Adobe Creative Cloud in the Digital Studio does not require a Certificate of Completion so you can just sign in first come, first serve with our Newspapers & Magazines staff.

Next Steps?

There you have it: the basic guide to what's offered in our Digital Studio and how you can use the space so you can learn how to preserve your family memories! Want to make an appointment for a Digital Studio orientation? Contact us via this form: one-on-one appointment form or see if any of our Wednesday time slots are available on our online calendar.

P.S.

*You're on your own with the cleaning and decluttering of your house: we're a library, not a housekeeping service! We do have books on those subjects if you need tips though (648.5 and 648.8 are two good call numbers to start with if you're in need of assistance!). 

Chilton Library for Auto Repair and Maintenance

Check out Chilton Library, the online version of the Chilton auto repair manuals. This database is a one stop destination for all your auto repair and maintenance needs. You no longer need to look through thick bound volumes of auto repair manuals! Although, we still have those for those of you who prefer paper format. 

It has extensive search features to narrow down by year, make and model of your vehicle and you can get information on the following topics:

• Maintenance and specification tables that provide the unique data you need for each specific vehicle.
• Step-by-step service and repair procedures, and labor estimating tool to help you confidently determine your next move.
• Vacuum diagrams to simplify troubleshooting.
• Wiring diagrams to help explain system operation.
• Close-up photographs and illustrations for visual support.
• ASE test prep quizzes for the most popular certification exams
• Select vehicle recall information.
• A print button which allows you to easily print out what is needed, so you can keep it right next to you as you work on your vehicle.

Wiring Diagram for 1971-72 Cadillac DeVille 

This resource can be freely accessed from any of the computers in the library. To access from home, go to our databases page and under Chilton's Auto Repair, click on home. A Worcester Public library card is required for remote access.

Travel Tips: Apps to Download

Many useful apps can help you plan your vacation and deal with any interruptions along the way. Learn about where to stay, what to do, and get reviews from other travelers. There’s even an app that helps you remember to pack everything you need. The best part? They’re all free!

WPL has some useful digital services that you can use with your WPL card to keep you occupied while traveling. With the Libby app and the Hoopla app, you can listen to audiobooks or read ebooks during your trip. If you’d rather watch a movie, download the Kanopy app, which lets you watch three movies per month for free. This gives passengers something to do, keeping the “are we there yet?” to a minimum.

Not sure how to use or download apps? We have Drop in Tech Help with a Librarian every Wednesday at the Main Library from 5:30-6:30 pm on the second floor. You can also try our Demystifying Ebooks & Audiobooks class on July 9 and August 13.

Trip Advisor 

Find recommendations for hotels, rentals, restaurants, things to do, travel forums, and trip reviews. 

Roadtrippers 

As the name says, use this app for road trips to find all the best stops along the way.

Google Translate

Whether traveling abroad or in your home country, this app will help you communicate with those who speak a language different from your own. 

Drive Weather 

Perfect for road trips, this app uses the National Weather Service's forecast to show travelers weather on different routes and lets drivers add stops and interactively change departure time to find the safest time to travel.

PackPoint

Helps you build a packing list so you never forget anything for your trip again! 

Rome2Rio 

With data from over 160 countries, this app helps you plan a trip abroad. 

The Power of Code

Learning how to program – or code – can be the pathway into a great career, earn you a promotion, give you an incredibly flexible and powerful tool for problem solving, and be the source of significant personal satisfaction.

How can the library help you to learn to code? 

 We offer classes in Python, CSS and Wordpress to help you get started.

• Register for the CSS class here: CSS
• Register for the Python class here: Python
• Register for the Wordpress class here: Wordpress

 We have a large collection of books and e-books you can borrow to help you on your way. 

Here are some of the programming languages our books cover:

• Python • C • C# • C++ • SQL Server • Oracle • ASP.Net • VB • Javascript • JQuery • Scratch • Ruby • Objective-C • Java • Perl • PHP • Scala • Swift • Raspberry Pi • Assembler • Clojure • Rust • Postscript • Pascal • COBOL • Arduino

And these technologies:

• HTML • CSS • XML • Regular Expressions • Linux • Networking • Windows • Mac OS

And these applications:

• Microsoft Office; Excel, WORD, Powerpoint • Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, Elements • iPhone and iPad apps • Alexa

Intro to Coding: Python for Beginners

So you are techy enough to use your smart phone, you often share memes on Facebook, and you post cute pics to Instagram…but have you ever wondered about the software that runs those platforms?

What is software anyway? How do all those cool apps work?

Coding – or programming – is the process of creating software. 

Did you know that the library offers a free class called Intro to Coding: Python for Beginners?  

Python is just one of scores of programming languages. What is a programming language? Like English or Mandarin or Spanish, it's a way of communicating with others. And just as English looks different from Swedish or Hindi, programming languages each have their own syntax and vocabulary.

But in this case, instead of communicating with other people, a programming language is used to create programs. And programs communicate the coder's instructions to the computer. 

Those instructions could be your instructions!

Intro to Coding: Python for Beginners is a 6-session class which meets on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Our next class begins on September 22. No prior coding experience is assumed.

Students will learn the basics of programming, including about variables, datatypes, loops, and logic. They will also learn the vocabulary of software development and best practices for writing code. 

And did I mention fun? Yup – this class is fun, and might even help you get a job or be promoted at your current employer.

Interested? Maybe?  You will also get a 90-page manual!

No grades, but if you attend all 6 sessions and do the homework, the library will give you a personalized Certificate of Completion.

(Yes, there's homework, but you do need to practice what you've learned, right?  😉  You'll get lots of feedback for your efforts!)

This class is offered once per season and we have a few spots left in our Fall class. Due to COVID, the class now meets online. You will need to be able to download software to your computer. 

You can register here - make sure you use an email address you will check at least daily:

Zoom registration link

Connections

Today, with the internet and social media, we say we live in a connected world, but would it surprise you to learn that this has always been the case?

Sometimes there are surprising connections between events or persons or objects that we might think are totally unrelated. In fact, nothing happens in isolation.

In 1978, the BBC Science and Features Department produced a new TV show called, simply, "Connections". Each episode explored how scientific discoveries, world events, and inventions were affected by one another, often in non-intuitive ways.

Sociologists speak of “unintended consequences”; some of these are beneficial, others not so much:

• Think of aspirin, developed as a pain reliever, working also as an anti-coagulant which can prevent heart attacks and lessen the severity of strokes.


• When the Australian state of Victoria passed a law requiring the use of bicycle helmets to ensure the safety of riders, what actually happened was a reduction in the number of cyclists. Research showed that young cyclists found the helmets unfashionable so they stopped exercising altogether, leading to a decrease in public health.


• And, speaking of bicycles, did you know that a massive volcanic eruption of a volcano on Sumbawa Island in the Indian Ocean in 1815 led directly to the invention of the bicycle in Germany?


• The arrival of COVID19 resulted in the rise of the face-mask industry, and the subsequent rising demand for elastic bands. Elastic bands use rubber, the procurement of which affects our trade balance. COVID is also responsible for the concurrent downfall of science fiction conventions and music festivals. And let’s not forget the significant drop in air pollution levels when commuter traffic went on hiatus, leading to the Himalayas being visible from 100 miles away for the first time in decades, leading perhaps, to renewed optimism and national pride.


• Think how, with so many young men serving in the military during World War II, women were given opportunities to fill jobs they were not previously considered for, and how that might have jump-started second-wave feminism by the daughters of these women, twenty years later.


• Think of the murder of a black man by a police officer leading to the tearing down of an 80 year-old statue of Theodore Roosevelt from its pedestal in front of the Museum of Natural History in New York City. This empty pedestal may be the future home of a piece of art by a struggling artist or of one who is a POC, leading to new opportunities and new voices heard.

The BBC TV show had as its subtitle “An Alternate View of Change”. It ran for three seasons, consisting of 40 episodes, and was hosted by its creator, Englishman James Burke. The show was an amalgam of commentary, historical reenactments, and demonstrations.

For example, episode 2, “Death in the Morning", examined how the discovery that pure gold left a different mark on a "touchstone" from that of alloys, led to the greater acceptance of gold in commerce in the ancient world. This then stimulated trade from Greece to Persia, ultimately causing the construction of a huge commercial center in Alexandria, Egypt and the building of the Great Library, which is said to have housed a 1/2 million scrolls.

This library, now lost to us, had catacombs. When the library burned, the materials in these subterranean chambers were preserved, including the 13 volumes of Claudius Ptolemy's star tables. Created around 150 A.D., these charts showed over 1000 stars, their relative position, the constellation they appeared in, and their magnitude (apparent brightness).

This astronomical and navigational resource, ignored during its own time, helped ship captains and pilots during the Age of Discovery. During these voyages of exploration and profit, mariners discovered that a compass's magnetized needle did not actually point directly north. For mercantile, ocean-navigating empires, this was devastating. Wondering why this disparity existed led to investigations into the nature of magnetism, which led to the discovery of electricity.

And research into in atmospheric electricity, in modern times at a meteorological station on Ben Nevis mountain in Scotland, led to the invention of the particle detection chamber, which in turn allowed development of nuclear weaponry...and the dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in August,1945.

The show was very popular and a similar show, "The Day the Universe Changed", was created in 1985. And "Connections" led to "Connections2" in 1994 and "Connections3" in 1997. In 2004, viewers could slake their curiosity with "Re-Connections", which consisted of excerpts from the original show.

Some meta-lessons to be learned:
Over-specialization can lead to missed opportunities.
Siloed individuals don’t think in the interdisciplinary ways that lead to innovation.
We should all remember that actions have repercussions, and sometimes these are unfathomable at the time.

More about "Connections" show

Borrow the "Connections" DVDs

Book about "Connections" available at WPL

Why global crises are the mother of invention

More about unintended consequences

Statue of Theodore Roosevelt

More about Ptolemy

Tech Help for Seniors

Wouldn’t you like to learn how to keep your home computer secure, take and share digital photos, download apps onto your phone, surf the World Wide Web, stay in contact with your friends and relatives using email or social media, and become proficient in the use of applications like Microsoft WORD and Excel, all without grappling with confusing technical jargon?

For senior citizens - and others - who want to learn how to use their computers, smart phones, tablets, and cameras, the WPL has many books designed especially for you! Using a step-by-step approach, easy-to-understand language, and straightforward diagrams, these books try to eliminate the stress some people feel when trying to learn technical material.

Here are some of the many books you can borrow from WPL to help you achieve your goals:

 • iPad for Seniors • Laptops for Seniors in Easy Steps
 • iPhone for Seniors • Android Tablets for Seniors in Easy Steps
 • My Digital Entertainment for Seniors
 • Technology Tips for Seniors
 • Facebook for Seniors : Connect with Friends and Family in 12 Easy Lessons
 • Kindle Fire HDX for Seniors

For more great books, see Tech For Seniors List

Computer or Device Questions? Visit Our Open Lab!

Do you have a new tablet, phone or device that you need a little help getting started with?  Would you like some assistance with setting up an email account, or learning how to use Google Drive?  Would you like some tips and tricks on using Microsoft Publisher to create a flyer for an event?  How about how to get set up with Craigslist or Ebay to sell unwanted household goods?  If you answered yes to any of these or similar questions, than the WPL's Open Lab Tech Help is the place for you!

Every Wednesday evening in the 3rd floor computer lab between 5:30 and 6:30, come by to receive one-on-one technology assistance from our Reference staff.  You can stop in anytime from 5:30-6:30 and can stay for the full time, or just a few minutes if you have a quick question.  No appointment necessary.  Bear in mind that we cannot perform any hardware repairs to your computer or device.  Our open lab is for instruction only.  We hope to see you there!

Worcester Talking Book Library’s Winter/Spring 2016 Series of Free Adaptive Technology Training Workshops

Worcester Public Library is happy to announce that the next session of the Worcester Talking Book Library’s Winter/Spring 2016 series of free adaptive technology training workshops will take place on Saturday, March 12, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Computer Lab of the Main Branch.

This session will be a continuation of the last session on headings and styles in Word. The styles menu is a potentially powerful tool for formatting and navigating through Word documents. Hands-on exercises, inserting headings and other format-related elements via the styles menu, as well as related topics such as creating a table of contents and inserting page numbers in longer documents, will be covered.  Also on the agenda is the quick access toolbar, a valuable tool for defining shortcut keys for frequently-used Microsoft Office commands.

Topics for future sessions will be based on popular demand of participants. Dates and times for the remaining spring sessions are as follows.

·       Saturday April 9 - 1:30 to 3:30 pm

·       Saturday May 14 - 9:45 to 11:45 am

The only prerequisite for participation is a minimum typing skill level of approximately 20 words per minute. Please remember to bring a pair of personal headphones so you can work on one of the lab computers.

Reminders and registration requests for subsequent workshops will be sent out shortly before each of those workshops.

To register for the March 12 workshop, as well as to seek any additional information, please contact Jim Izatt or call the Worcester Talking Book Library at 1-800-762-0085 or 1-508-799-1730.

Free Adaptive Technology Training from Worcester Talking Book Library

WPL is happy to announce the Worcester Talking Book Library’s Fall 2015 series of free adaptive technology training workshops. These will take place in the 3rd Floor Computer Lab at the Worcester Public Library Main Branch on Saturday mornings from 9:45 AM to 11:45 AM. There will be four sessions as outlined below:

Saturday September 26: Topics in Outlook

Creating messages, navigating folders, attaching documents, and several other Outlook tools.

Saturday October 17: Excel Basics

Spreadsheet navigation, composing simple formulas, cell formatting, inserting and deleting rows and columns, sorting columns alphabetically and by value, automatic reading of column and row titles with the define names command, and adjusting column width.

Saturday November 7: To Be Determined

To be decided by the consensus of participants from previous sessions.

Saturday December 5: To Be Determined

To be decided by the consensus of participants from previous sessions.

To register for these workshops, as well as to seek any additional information, please contact Jim Izatt or call the Worcester Talking Book Library at 1-800-762-0085 or 1-508-799-1730.

The only prerequisite for participation is a minimum typing skill level of approximately 20 words per minute. Please remember to bring a pair of personal headphones so you can work on one of the lab computers. Reminders and registration requests for subsequent workshops will be sent out shortly before each of those workshops.

Please do not hesitate to share this message with someone whom you think might be interested in attending this workshop. Thank you for your interest!

Holiday Gift Guide to Purchasing E-Readers

	Creator/Cost	Main Features	Free Library Digital Downloads
Kindle BW/ Paperwhite	Amazon.com/ $69 - 219	E-ink screen with option to light up, touch screen or keyboard *e-reader only*	Overdrive e-books (Kindle format only); must use computer to search library catalog; Available to borrow at the Welcome Desk
Kindle Fire	Amazon.com/ $79 - 379	Touch screen tablet with web browser & apps through Amazon	Overdrive e-books (Kindle format only), OneClick e-audiobooks, Hoopla movies, mp3s & e-audiobooks
Nook BW / Touch	Barnes & Noble/ $79 - 119	E-ink screen with backlight available, touch screen or keyboard *e-reader only*	Overdrive e-books (EPUB format only); must use computer to search library catalog
Nook Color	Barnes & Noble/ $129 - 179	Touch screen tablet with web browser and apps	Overdrive e-books (EPUB format only), OneClick e-audiobooks, Hoopla movies,  mp3s & e-audiobooks
iPad Air 2/ iPad Mini 3	Apple/ $399 - 499	Touch screen tablet with web browser & apps through iTunes App Store	Overdrive e-books (Kindle or EPUB format), OneClick e-auidobooks, Freegal mp3s, Hoopla movies, mp3s & e-audiobooks
Android Tablet	Google, Samsung, Microsoft, Rakuten & more/ prices vary	Touch screen tablet with web browser & apps through Google Play store	Overdrive e-books (Kindle or EPUB format), OneClick e-auidobooks, Freegal mp3s, Hoopla movies, mp3s & e-audiobooks

Classes and One-on-one Assistance for Adults at the Main Library

Technology Classes

Computer & Internet for Beginners (4 sessions)
Fridays, 9:30-11 am, 3rd Floor lab

The first two weeks of this class will build your basic computer skills by teaching the parts of the computer and practicing with mouse and keyboard. The second two weeks will teach you how to go online and perform basic Internet searches. Register on the 2nd Floor Reference Desk, or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

Clase Básica de Computadora (4 sessions)

Martes, 1:00-2:00 pm, 3a Piso, Laboratorio de Computadora

Si necesitas ayuda con computadoras, esta clase es para ti.  Cubrimos la información más básica: cómo usar el ratón y el teclado, abrir programas, y usar el internet para buscar información. Cada mes empieza un nuevo semestre de 4 clases. Para registrarse, llame al 508-799-1655 ext. 3 o registrarse en persona en el escritorio de consulta en el segundo piso.

Open Lab with Staff Assistance (Drop-in)
Wed.  5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor lab

This drop-in lab designed for people who need extra computer time to work on job applications, Microsoft word documents, or those who need assistance setting up a library account, email, downloading ebooks or audiobooks. No registration required.

 Job Application, Resume, Writing and Business Help

Small Business Counseling
First Wednesday evening each month, Third Floor Study Room

A SCORE counselor provides assistance and answers questions to anyone thinking about or planning to start a business. Register for a one-hour session, or for more information, call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

                          

College Admission Essays, Resume & Job Assistance, Research Help
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 2nd Floor Ref. Desk

Assistance with writing resumes and cover letters, finding information on a topic, editing, content organization and citations.  Register on the Events Calendar on the library’s website or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

Introductory Grants Workshop

Fourth Thursdays each month, Main Library--Banx Room and Third Floor Computer Lab

This class is for anyone new to fundraising, non-profit grant seekers, and to members of the non-profit community. It will cover grant-seeking basics including what needs to be in place before beginning your search in the Foundation Center, one of the premier resources for grant-seekers. Pre-registration is required; register online at worcpublib.org or call 508-799-1655, ext. 3.

Citizenship Interview Preparation

Citizenship Classes

Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Main Library – 1st Floor Computer Lab

This drop-in class will provide help with citizenship questions, practicing the citizenship interview, and learning about the U.S. government, U.S. history, and the rights and responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. For more information, call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

Arts, Crafts & Literature

WPL’s Knitting Circle 

Thursdays -starts in September, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Main Library—3^rd floor Ellipse

Knitters of all skill levels and other needlecraft enthusiasts are welcome to join us.  All participants must bring their own supplies. If you would like to learn how to knit, please bring size 7 or 8 straight knitting needles and a skein of worsted weight yarn. For more information please call 508-799-1655 or visit our Events Calendar on worcpublib.org.

Open Drawing Studio

2nd and 4th Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Main Library—3^rd floor Ellipse

Create an artwork based on our still-life displays. Bring your own drawing supplies (a limited supply of pencils and sketch paper will be available). Beginners welcome, but instruction is not provided.

For more information please call 508-799-1655 or visit our Events Calendar on worcpublib.org.

Book Club

3^rd Tuesdays, alternate months, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Main Library---3^rd floor Ellipse

Come for a lively discussion surrounding the book selection of the month. Check with staff for title to be discussed, or to request a copy. For more information please call 508-799-1655 or visit our Events Calendar on worcpublib.org.

*Please check with library regarding holiday schedules, class cancellations or to verify dates.

For more information please call 508-799-1655 or visit our Events Calendar on worcpublib.org.

See what others are saying about our Computer Classes

Two months ago we started a series of intermediate computer classes on various topics called Technology Demystified. We have held sessions in LinkedIn, PowerPoint, Facebook, and Gmail. Here's what some students have said:

“Very clear, patient, not rushed.”

“Good explanation of topics.”

“The LinkedIn Demystified class gave me all the information I need to proceed.”

“Katie was calm, helpful and great at answering questions. It added some more confidence to my LinkedIn abilities.”

“I learned a lot. It will help me in my work and in my life.”

During July we have three more such classes! : 

Facebook: Friday, July 11, 11:30-1 pm, 3rd Floor Lab

Explore the uses of Facebook, set up an account, find "friends," and understand privacy settings. 

Windows 7: Friday, July 18, 11:30-1 pm, 3rd Floor Lab

This class is intended for those who either have a computer with Windows 7, or frequently use the library computers.  We will teach you special tips and shortcuts on using Windows 7, including free programs to download on your personal computer to keep it running smoothly. 

Please do not bring your computer to class.

PowerPoint: Friday, July 25, 11:30-1 pm, 3rd Floor Lab

When you go to almost any lecture today, you will notice that the speakers have organized their information into PowerPoint slides. If you are working or in school, you will eventually be asked to give a talk using these slides. This class will prepare you, start to finish. The only thing left is dealing with your nervous butterflies!

Register here through our event calendar

Computer Classes at the Main Library

   ————————–—— Level 1 ——————————

Computer & Internet for Beginners (4 sessions) Fridays, 9:30-11 am, 3rd Floor lab

The first two weeks of this class will build your basic computer skills by teaching the parts of the computer and practicing with mouse and keyboard. The second two weeks will teach you how to go online and perform basic Internet searches. Register on the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

New!  Clase Básica de Computadora (4 sessions)

Jueves, 1:00-2:00 pm , 3rd Piso, Laboratorio de Computadora

Si necesitas ayuda con computadoras, esta clase es para ti.  Cubrimos la información más básica: cómo usar el ratón y el teclado, abrir programas, y usar el internet para buscar información. Cada mes empieza un nuevo semestre de 4 clases. Para registrarse, llame al 508-799-1655 ext. 3 o registrarse en persona en el escritorio de consulta en el segundo pisa.

                            ———————–——–————–— Level 2  ——————————–—————

Open Lab with Staff Assistance (Drop-in) Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor lab
Audience: Students, Job Seekers and Adult Learners with basic computer skills
Drop-in lab designed for people who need extra computer time to work on job applications, Microsoft word documents, or those who need assistance setting up a library account, email, downloading ebooks or audiobooks. No registration required.

College Admission Essays, Resume & Job Assistance, Research Help 
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 2nd Floor Ref. Desk
Audience: Students, Job Seekers, Adult Learners
Assistance with writing resumes and cover letters, finding information on a topic, editing, content organization and citations.  Register on the Events Calendar on the library’s website or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.

Resume Help 
Wednesdays, Walk in 9:00-10:00 am, or by appointment, 10:00-11:30 am, 2nd Floor

Audience: Students, Job Seekers, Adult Learners with a draft of a resume and basic computer skills

Bring your typed resume on paper or flash drive and receive feedback from Dr. Terry Chapman, volunteer professional career consultant. Register at the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or call us at 508-799-1655 x3.

                   —————–——–————–— Technology Demystified!——————————

**These are one session intermediate classes, for adults who have taken the Level 1 class, are comfortable with keyboard and mouse, and have a working e-mail address.  Register online by going to www.worcpublib.org and clicking “Events and Activities,” then searching for the class using the calendar on the right.

Linked-In: Friday, May 9, 11:30—1, 3rd Floor lab

This class will teach you how to create an effective, eye-catching profile on the networking site Linked In. It will also cover job search techniques using Linked-In and other free websites.

Facebook: Friday, May 16, 11:30-1, 3rd Floor lab—additional Friday sessions June 6 & July 11

Explore the uses of Facebook, set up an account, find “friends,” and understand privacy settings.

PowerPoint: Friday, May 23, 11:30-1, 3rd Floor lab—additional Friday sessions June 27 & July 25

When you go to almost any lecture today, you will notice that the speakers have organized their information into PowerPoint slides. If you are working or in school, you will eventually be asked to give a talk using these slides. This class will prepare you, start to finish. The only thing left is dealing with your nervous butterflies!

———————–——–————–— Always available ——————————–—————

Drop-In eBook Help

Audience: Anyone interested in downloading e-books to their personal computer or devices

Stop by any reference desk to ask questions and get help downloading eBooks to your eReader or Smartphone. Please bring your device! No registration required.