Message to the community from Luren
E. Dickinson:
Our new
Computer Center and Training Lab on the second floor of the Main Library are
now open to the public. The Computer Center has 25 public workstations and the Training
Lab has an additional 12 workstations, which can be used when classes are not
in session. The new computers are equipped with the Windows 7 operating system
and are loaded with Microsoft Office 2010 programs, such as Word, Excel,
Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and OneNote. In addition, each of them will have
WinWay Resume, the leading resume software.
While we have moved most of
the adult workstations to the second floor of the Main Library, we still offer
six 15-minute “Express Stations” on the first floor for those who need quick
access to email or to print documents. Main Library has 11 workstations for
children and seven for older students in the Teen Center. Bertram Woods Branch
has eight workstations for adults and four for children.
Computers have become an
essential part of our daily life and the library is happy to be able to provide
free access for all. This year for the first time, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan
Housing Authority had an online only registration for its housing lottery.
Shaker Library was one of many libraries standing by to offer computers and
help in the process.
The Shaker Schools use an
online system called ProgressBook, and they will soon schedule training
sessions in the library to teach parents and caregivers how to track their
students’ progress in school by checking grades, attendance, and lesson plans
online. Through a school-library partnership, the Library offers access to
SuccessMaker, the tutoring software used by the schools for students to help them
improve their grades.
Our staff continues to
teach Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes for those seeking to learn how to use
computers and to navigate the Internet. These classes are free and begin with
basic computer literacy skills such as using the mouse, operating Windows, and
using and maintaining files and folders. Classes also focus on using the
Internet, using search tools, and setting up and using a free email account.
ECO classes are offered in three 2-hour sessions or two 3-hour sessions.
Our ongoing free computer
class offerings range from learning basic word processing to resume writing and
online job hunting to more advanced classes in word processing, learning
spreadsheet construction, PowerPoint presentations, and creating and managing databases.
September is back-to-school
time and Shaker Library has planned an interesting line up of educational and
informative programs this month. Joe, “The Coupon Guy” will offer his savvy
shopping tips at 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 20 at the Main Library and on
Wednesday, September 21, we will hold our Annual Constitution Read Aloud at 7
p.m. at the Main Library. As an added component to this year’s celebration,
Friends of the Shaker Library is sponsoring a poster design contest for
children.
Looking for an appraisal on
that pocket watch your uncle left you or your mother’s painted curio cabinet?
Friends of the Shaker Library’s “What’s It Worth?” antique appraisal program
will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 22 at the Main Library, when
experts will help evaluate your “invaluable” items. Considering travel plans?
George Shinas, a member of the Road Scholar program (formerly Elderhostel),
will speak about how to become a member of the Road Scholar program at 7 p.m.,
Tuesday, September 27 at the Main Library.