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August 30, 2007

Attention Online Scholars!

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Learning is a lifelong job, but if you're like me, there just aren't enough hours in a day to pursue all the educational activities you'd like. As a working wife and mother, I'm used to multitasking, but finding the time to take a formal course is another matter. Luckily, the number and quality of free online tutorials have increased over the last few years. Here are just a few examples of the free instruction available to you on the World Wide Web:

Computers, Software, Programming

  • learnthat.com - useful computing info, but avoid the bold green links--they're ads!

  • microsoft.com - self-paced tutorials, including Office 2007

  • programmingtutorials.com - tutorials on over 20 programming languages, including MySQL and php


    • Cooking

  • cooksillustrated.com - subscription-based ($3.95/mo), but there are free sample instructional videos

  • marthastewart.com - informative how-to videos, with accompanying recipes


    • Foreign Language

  • bbc.co.uk/languages - video and print instruction, tools to gauge your level, and crosswords, too

  • languageguide.org - simple interface includes pronunciation key


    • Games

  • acbl.org (American Contract Bridge League) - learn to play bridge by downloading free software

  • chessguru.net
    • - step-by-step instructions with illustrations of correct board layout


    Handcrafts

  • crochet.com - "Resources" tab lists links to crochet tutorials

  • knittinghelp.com - easy-to-follow online videos for beginning and advanced knitters


    • Health and Medicine

  • redcross.org - free online emergency preparedness tutorial

  • mayoclinic.com/health/FirstAidIndex - proper first aid for common medical emergencies

    • Posted by JudyS at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)

    August 25, 2007

    Have You Tried Our Playaways?

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    Attention audiobook lovers! Have you checked out one of our Playaways yet? If you enjoy listening to books on tape and/or books on CD, you'll enjoy our Playaways. Unlike books on tape and books on CD, which require a separate player, Playaways combine a digital audio file and a player in one unit. And, unlike our downloadable audiobooks, there's nothing to download, nothing to sync, nothing to do but plug in your headphones and listen! Here's how it works:

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    The unit is about the size of a cell phone and runs on one AAA battery. Simple touch controls on the back of the unit allow the user to start/stop, adjust volume and/or playback speed, set bookmarks, rewind, and fast forward. Playaways circulate for three weeks and may be renewed as long as no one is waiting. We provide the battery (and a spare); you provide the headphones. In addition to our adult titles, we have a growing collection of Children's and Teen Playaways. Interested? Why not take one out for a spin?

    Posted by JudyS at 04:56 PM | Comments (0)

    August 24, 2007

    Fall 2007 Adult Tech Ed Registration Lottery Begins!

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    Ready? Set? Go! The Fall 2007 Adult Technology Education Registration Lottery opens today at 9 a.m. Begin by reviewing the list of classes. Then go to the registration page and register for as many classes as you'd like. Remember, you'll need your library card barcode to register! If you have any questions or problems with registration, send me an email at sgammato@darienlibrary.org or call me at 655-1234 x136. We'll do our best to accommodate everyone who signs up!

    Posted by JudyS at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)