Manchester City Library

This morning I taught my first computer class of the Summer computing season. I had a full class roster registered, but a very low turn out. I thought I’d soothe the sting of the searing rejection by presenting my class here in the hopes that someone might be inspired to teach someone they know.

Learning the computer is very much like learning a new language - don’t try and remember everything all at once, practice, and don’t be scared you’re not going to break it. Second, I go over the parts of the computer and the keys on the keyboard. I take this chance to point out that, despite what geeks say, computers are no always consistent and predictable. Sometimes they do weird things. Next I teach how to hold the mouse: index finger to left click, middle finger to right click, rest the palm lightly on the table behind the mouse for control. Most of the delicate cursor movement is achieved by pushing the mouse slightly with the thumb and pinky finger. We practice our mousing together using Mouseaerobics courtesy of the Central Kansas Library System.

If you’re looking for more practice we have computers here at the library for folks to use as well as friendly staff who will be happy to point you to mouseaerobics for a chance to practice. For the self-starters the library has lots of computer books for beginners: Windows Vista for Seniors, Easy Computer Basics, and who could do without The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Computer Basics?

We will be collecting canned and non-perishable food during the month of May to support the efforts of the New Hampshire Food Bank. Donations will be accepted at both the Main Library and the West Manchester Community Library.

The New Hampshire Food Bank distributes over 4 million pounds of donated, surplus food to over 350 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day care centers, senior citizen homes and substance abuse treatment centers. These member agencies in turn provide services to the nearly 80,000 hungry men, women and children throughout New Hampshire.

Urgently needed items include:

• Protein items such as canned tuna or chicken and canned stews and pasta Peanut butter
• 100% juice boxes (no glass please)
• Canned fruits in light syrup, applesauce
• Canned vegetables, tomatoes and tomato sauce
• Soups
• Healthy cereals
• Pasta, rice
• Dry beans

Contact: Steve Viggiano, 624-6550 x 323, or sviggiano@manchesternh.gov

[From the Manchester Express, April 24th-April 30th]

The May 1 issue of Bottom Line Magazine contains an article on simple ways people can save money. It suggests that people can save $300 a year checking out one hardcover book a month rather than spending $25 for a new book. Checking out library movies once a week rather than subscribing to Netflix (the most popular plan is $14.99 a month) saves $200 a year. The Manchester Library is the best bargain in the City.

Events At The Library

Storytimes
For storytimes requiring it, register online or contact Children’s Dept., 624-6550, ext. 314.

Friday, April 25
Lapsit Storytime-Ages to 23 months. 9:30-10:45 Winchell Room

Saturday, April 26
Family Storytime—All Ages 10:30-11:30 Winchell Room

Tuesday, April 29
Preschool Storytime Ages 4-5. 9:30-10:45 Winchell Room

Wednesday, April 30
Toddler Storytime Ages 2-3 years. 9:30-10:45 Winchell Room

Children’s Programs
For programs requiring it, register online or contact Karyn at 624-6550, ext. 335.

Friday, April 25
Dance, Dance Revolution –Test your dancing skills during this tournament-style play. For students grades K-5. Registration is required as space is limited. 3:00 Winchell Room

Movies
Due to licensing restrictions we can’t give the movie titles. See our website at www.manchester.lib.nh.us

Friday, April 25
Movie recently released on DVD 3:00 West Branch Library

Wednesday, April 30
Classic Movie 1:00 Auditorium

Adult Programs
Tuesday, April 29
Brown Bag Book Club 12:15-1:30 Hunt Room
The Awakening by Kate Chopin will be discussed.

WHEREAS, the Manchester Library, its West Side branch, and the many school libraries in the city play a vital role in providing thousands of residents with the resources they need to live, learn and work in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, Manchester’s libraries are changing, meeting the needs of its residents of all walks of life; and

WHEREAS, Manchester’s libraries bring its residents a world of knowledge both in person and online, as well as personal service and assistance in an age where day-to-day life is becoming more impersonal; and

WHEREAS, Manchester’s libraries are an educational extension to those looking for an affordable means of self-improvement, a complementary resource for formal education, or for those seeking information not readily available anywhere else; and

WHEREAS, Manchester libraries continue to fill another need, to be a gathering place for diverse populations to enrich their lives through educational enrichment; and

WHEREAS, ever since the first free publicly-funded library opened in Peterborough in 1833, the library has been an important municipal resource nationwide and particularly in New Hampshire.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Frank C. Guinta, Mayor of the City of Manchester, N.H., do hereby proclaim April 13-19, 2008, as Library Week. I urge city residents to consider the role Manchester libraries have played in their lives and encourage those who have not been to one recently to see the changes afoot.

Given on this fifteenth of April, in the year of Our Lord two thousand and eight and the independence of the United States of America, two hundred and thirty-one.

[Signed] Frank C. Guinta

The Urban Dictionary defines mirthquake as “an episode of laughter that entails shaking or violent motion.” At the library you can come and experience the phenomenon first hand. We have partnered with the Hippo to co-sponsor this year’s Mirthquake in celebration of National Library Week. It’s a three-day vintage film festival taking place in the library’s auditorium. Yesterday, the sounds of the live piano accompaniment wafted through the library. Even from my office on the third floor I could occasionally hear it - a lovely compliment to a spring day. I wonder if the player knew that he was providing mood music for much more than what was on the screen.

As cool as that is, though, I just did a search and discovered the Mirthquake is much more than what is happening here in the library. It also includes evenings of Harold Lloyd films at the Franco American Centre around the corner, the new Red River Theatre in Concord, and the Palace Theatre around the other corner. In addition to that they’re offering a tour of historic NH theaters - and each stop features a film. The entire weekend sounds like a blast to me and I hope they get an excellent turnout.

Thanks to Yvonne for digging up the mirthquake definition and inspiring this post.