Programs for Adults During October

Interested in learning how to use a computer or about different computer programs? Come to the library! Here are our free computer classes in October:

Computer Basics
Monday, October 1 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration starts 9/17
This class provides a basic introduction to the personal computer and its parts. Learn how to use the mouse and navigate the computer screen. There is time for hands-on practice. No computer experience is necessary.

Word Basics
Tuesday, October 2 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 Noon Registration starts 9/18
Introduction to the basic tools of Microsoft Word. Learn how to enter and format text, change margins and line spacing, and copy and paste text. Saving and printing tips will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Some experience using a mouse will be helpful.

Internet: Searching the Library Catalog
Saturday, October 6 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 Noon Registration starts 9/22
Learn how to find books, movies and more by entering keywords or specific terms. Discover the benefits of placing items on hold, searching by type, and viewing your library account online. Please bring your library card with you to class. Prerequisite: Some experience using a mouse will be helpful.

Keyboard Basics
Monday, October 8 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration starts 9/24
Basic orientation to using the computer keyboard. Learn to be a more efficient keyboarder. General instruction and hands-on practice. No computer experience is necessary.

Word: Beyond the Basics
Tuesday, October 9 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon Registration starts 9/25
In this follow-up to Word Basics learn how to set tabs, create columns, paste text from the Internet, insert page numbers, add ClipArt and photographs, and format text as you design a simple newsletter. Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience with MS Word will be helpful.

Files and Folders: File Organization and Management
Monday, October 15 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration starts 10/1
Learn how to organize your computer files more effectively. Basics concepts include: creating a file or document, creating folders, naming folders and saving document in a folder and copying files from one floppy disc to another. Prerequisite: Computer Basics will be helpful.

Excel Basics
Tuesday, October 16 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon Registration starts 10/2
An introduction to spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. This session provides a basic overview and common uses for spreadsheets. Learn basic Excel functions and build a simple budget spreadsheet. Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience using MS Word will be helpful.

Internet Basics
Monday, October 22 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration starts 10/8
An introduction to the Internet, focusing on the World Wide Web. Provides an overview of how the Internet is structured and introduces searching on the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: Some experience using a mouse will be helpful.

Excel: Beyond the Basics
Tuesday, October 23 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon Registration starts 10/9
A follow-up session to Excel Basics. Learn some additional features of the program, such as sorting and filtering. Learn how to use additional types of formulas. Prerequisite: Excel Basics or some experience using MS Excel will be helpful.

PowerPoint Basics
Saturday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 Noon Registration starts 10/13
Overview of Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program for designing creative presentations and slideshows. Create a simple presentation and learn how to use this program to produce effective printed materials. Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience using MS Word will be helpful.

Email Basics
Monday, October 29 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Registration starts 10/15
The library does not provide individual email accounts. However, there are many Internet sites that provide free email. This class presents the basics of registering for a free email account, composing messages, sending and opening email. Prerequisite: Some experience using a mouse and the Internet will be helpful. Please note earlier start and longer class time.

Access Basics
Tuesday, October 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration starts 10/16
An introduction to databases using Microsoft Access. A database is a collection of information related to a particular topic. This workshop introduces the basic MS Access Tools and Wizards used to build a simple database. Prerequisite: Word Basics and/or Excel Basics class (or familiarity with those programs) is strongly urged. Please note earlier start and the longer class time.

*All computer classes are free. For more information please call 559-1945 and ask for the Reference Department. Class space is available for 8 participants per session.

Here are some more great programs for adults during October:

Knitting Group
First and Third Tuesdays, October 2 and 16, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the company of other adult knitters. Meet to exchange ideas. Bring your projects and knit with friends. Open to knitters of all skill levels.

Belly Dance Basics - Level I: The Essentials (Adults, Women only)
Wednesdays, October 3 through November 7, from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Learn the ancient art of belly dance in this step-by-step instruction by Jennifer White. Discover your inner goddess through the artful dance that has embraced women of all ages, experience levels and, body types. Limited space and registration required. Call the library at 559-1945 to register.

The Charleston County Big Read continues in October with these events and displays at our library:

Zora Alive! (All ages)
Wednesday, October 3 at 4:00 p.m.
Get to know Zora Neale Hurston, portrayed by Phyllis McEwen, as she tells the stories and sings the songs that she collected during her work with the Works Progress Administration in Florida in the 1920s and 30s.

Hip Hop with Nikki Hunter (Ages 8 and up)
Thursday, October 4 at 4:00 p.m.
Nikki Hunter, teacher and Hip Hop artist, will discuss the history of Hip Hop and how teachers, parents, and students can use rap music as a learning tool. Nikki will demonstrate with songs from various CDs in her Hip Hop Hooks series. Winners of the September writing contest for island high school students will be announced.

Zora Neale Hurston Storytime (All ages)
Saturday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy short stories by Zora Neale Hurston adapted for children.

Exhibitions/Displays
Lowcountry Images: Carol A. Simmons, local artist, will display her lowcountry paintings at the John’s Island Regional Library. Carol Simmons was a former programmer analyst before training to become an artist.

Silas' Hearts: A quilt made with all authentic African fabrics by Nora Rice Williams, a local fiber artist, will be on display in the library's lobby.

Soft sculptured dolls, also designed by Nora Rice Williams, of Zora Neale Hurston, the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, and her main character, Janie will be on display. The display will also include lowcountry dolls such as two dolls from the slave era. The dolls will be on display at the John’s Island Regional Library.

Local High School students will design a quilt based on their interpretation of the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston under the guidance of local quilters Jakki Jefferson and Nora Rice Williams. This quilting project began in September 2007 and will exhibit at the John's Island Regional Library during the months of February and March 2008. Interested high school students or teachers should contact the Reference Department at 559-1945 to register.

And don't forget to check at www.johnsislandkids.blogspot.com for information concerning Children's programs or www.johnsislandteens.blogspot.com for information on teen programs @ your John's Island library!