Manchester City Library

Yesterday afternoon the City of Manchester launched their brand new website. This means a new look for the library too! When I was working on this, I decided to start with the cleanest slate possible so I only transfered a minimal amount of information.

The plan is to add to what is there as the need emerges. In order to know, I need your help. If, as you explore the new site, find that you miss something that used to be there, please leave a comment and let me know!

Their bark is worse than their byte. Computers are no mystery; they’re just tools. Come, get introduced, and learn the basics. For more information, please contact Lichen Rancourt at 624-6550 ext. 324. Registration is required.

Note: Space is limited and demand is high so please, if you sign up, plan to attend and arrive a bit early. Space will not be held after starting time.

Learn how to create a document so you can write a love letter, (you bring the love), format a resume (you bring the skills), and more. For more information, please contact Lichen Rancourt at 624-6550 ext. 324. Registration required.

Note: Space is limited and demand is high so please, if you sign up, plan to attend and arrive a bit early. Space will not be held after starting time.

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?

Wonder how Google became a verb? Feeling left behind by the email this and www that? We’ll discuss the internet, what it is and how it might make you smile.

Registration Required. Note: Space is limited and demand is high so please, if you sign up, plan to attend and arrive a bit early - space will not be held after starting time. For more information, please contact Lichen Rancourt at 624-6550 ext. 324.