Friday, January 20, 2012

New Laptop Cart Unveiled at CSPL Tech Night

Last night in front of a large audience that filled the meeting rooms at the Carol Stream Public Library, members of the Friends unveiled a mobile cart containing several new laptop computers to the public as a part of the Tech Night program conducted by members of the library staff.  The new computers and cart were purchased by the Friends of the Carol Stream Public Library with funds that were raised through membership fees and proceeds from the ongoing used book sale that takes place in the lobby of the library. The new laptops will be used for a variety of library programs including a series of training workshops for members of the community.

On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were Director Ann Kennedy, trustees Rob Douglas and Mary Hudspeath, and several members of the Executive Board of the CSPL Friends organization. Barb Siegman represented the Friends and presented the new mobile cart and laptops to Ann Kennedy and Rob Douglas who acknowledged the generous gift and thanked the Friends for supporting library activities. The laptops will be used for the first time on Monday, January 23, when the first of a series of computer training workshops will be offered to village residents. This first workshop filled very quickly and because the advance registration was so strong and interest was so high, additional workshops will be added to the schedule.

People who attended the Tech Night event last evening also had an opportunity to learn about the new Nook eBook readers that the library has acquired and plans to circulate to the public. Laura Hays and Jessica Hubinek from the Adult Services Department demonstrated the new devices and explained how content is downloaded to the eBook readers. Representatives from Best Buy were also on hand to help people with individual questions about these and other similar digital readers. Be sure to watch for more information about these new digital devices from the library staff in the weeks ahead.


For more information about joining the Friends of the Carol Stream Public Library, please pick up a brochure the next time you visit the library.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Friends Set to Donate Laptop Cart to Library

On January 19, the members of the Friends of the Carol Stream Public Library will unveil their latest gift to the community--a cart of laptop computers that will be used for computer and Internet training classes to be offered to village residents throughout the year. The cart and laptops were purchased from funds that the Friends have raised through membership fees, used book sales, and other fundraising initiatives. This unveiling ceremony will take place on Tech Night, and there will also be a presentation on the use of eReaders that night.

First Training Class on January 23

The first computer offering is scheduled for the evening of January 23, 2012. The first course is titled "Computer Class 101" and is designed to help beginning users to become familiar with basic computer operations, keyboard commands, and mouse functions. Space is limited for this class since it will be conducted on a "hands-on" basis, so we encourage residents to register early to assure themselves of a spot in the class. 

Here are the full details of the program as posted on the CSPL web site:

Date: 1/23/2012
Start Time: 7:00 PM
End Time: 8:00 PM

Description:
 You have been asking for them and now they are finally back--beginner classes for those wanting to learn how to use a computer. In this class you will learn basic computer operations as well as how to use a mouse and the keyboard. The class will be conducted in a "hands-on" format using a set of laptops generously donated by the Friends of the Library. Registration is required because seating is limited; the class is open to Carol Stream cardholders ages 18 and up.

Location: Horizon Room
Contact: Omar M. Kushad
Status: Waiting List (16)


We hope you are able to join us for this first computer training class and to view the new laptop cart. Please watch the Carol Stream Public Library event calendar for news about upcoming classes and other events at the library.