Posted by eileen on January 18, 2012
Learning a foreign language? Take a look at the library’s Foreign Language site. You’ll find links to helpful library catalog searches, such as Recordings on CD and cassette and Videos and DVDs. You can also use Mango Languages, an online service provided by the Friends of Wheaton Public Library, that teaches practical conversation and cultural awareness for the world’s most popular languages. Create a free account on Mango Languages to keep track of your progress. Choose from a basic lesson or more in-depth language study lessons.
To access Mango Languages from outside the library, you need to log in with your library card number and PIN. If you have any questions, please call the Reference Desk at 630-868-7520.
Posted by eileen on November 30, 2011
Computer Class registration begins tomorrow (December 1) at 9am. Classes will not be offered in January, so make sure you sign up for December classes!
To register, go to our online Event Calendar and click on the class(es) you want. Register for each class separately. For full class descriptions and requirements, visit our Computer Classes page.
Intro. to Microsoft PowerPoint – Monday, Dec. 5 at 7pm
Intro. to Microsoft Excel – Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7pm
Microsoft Word I – Monday, Dec. 12 at 7pm
Microsoft Word II – Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7pm
Tech Question Drop-in – Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11am
No registration required for Tech Question Drop-in.
Posted by eileen on November 3, 2010
WPL is now part of eMediaLibrary, which allows WPL cardholders to download eBooks and audiobooks. Here are directions for downloading audiobooks to your smart phone. For more information about eMediaLibrary’s offerings, go to http://wheatonlibrary.org/ereads.html.
Note: These directions were created using an iPhone. However, other smart phones use a very similar process, so the directions should be helpful, even if you have a different smart phone.
The first step is to download the OverDrive Media Console app, by going to the App Store on your phone. Search for OverDrive Media Console and install the app.
Exit the app and open Safari (or your phone’s browser). Go to emedialibrary.lib.overdrive.com (it automatically takes you to the mobile site) and click Search at the top.
You can search for a specific title or scroll down to view all audiobooks. Note: If using Android, Blackberry, or iPhone, you can only download MP3 audiobooks, so it would make sense to limit to OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks. Windows Mobile devices can download MP3 AND WMA audiobooks. Update (12/7/10): With the OverDrive Media Console app 2.0, you can now download many eBooks to your Android device/phone or your iPhone.
Once you get your search results, books available for download will say Add to Digital Basket on the right. Books that are already checked out will say Place a Hold. If you place a hold, you will be notified via email when the book is available. Therefore, you must enter a valid email address to place a hold. It prompts you to do so.
After clicking Add to Digital Basket, you have the options to Continue Browsing or Proceed to Checkout. Assuming you Proceed to Checkout, you must choose your library; in this case, Wheaton Public Library. Then enter your WPL card number and PIN. If you need to create a PIN, follow the instructions on the right side of this page.
Agree to the Terms of Service by clicking Yes and then click Confirm Checkout. This takes you to the audiobook you’ve checked out and you can click Download.
The OverDrive Media Console app opens and you’ll see your audiobook. After clicking on the book, it prompts you to download the “parts” of the book. Click Yes and then choose if you’d like to download all parts immediately or just some.
Aaaaaaannnnnnddddddddd… you’re finished! Enjoy your audiobook.
More information: WPL’s info site about eMediaLibrary
WMA vs. MP3
Troubleshooting for MP3 downloads from OverDrive
Questions about eMediaLibrary? Email ereads@wheatonlibrary.org or post your question on our Facebook page!
Posted by eileen on July 1, 2010
WPL offers a variety of free introductory computer classes each month. Looking for jobs that require a basic understanding of Microsoft Office? Let us help you! Sign up for a free class today! In July the classes are held in the evenings. To register, go to our online Event Calendar or call the Checkout Desk at 630-868-7505.
Note: All WPL classes are taught using Microsoft Office 2007.
Internet Searching and Introduction to Online Databases
Do you have problems finding what you’re looking for on the Internet? Do you always get millions of results on Google and Yahoo!? In this class, learn about making your searches more specific, to get more relevant results, as well as searching some of the library’s subscription databases to find pertinent information.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic computer skills, especially using a keyboard and mouse, and experience using Internet Explorer are required.
Microsoft Word I
Microsoft Word is not just for writing reports anymore! Learn how to cut, copy, paste, format a Word document, and much much more! This class is perfect for those who are new to word processing. It is also recommended for those who are interested in learning the new layout of the 2007 version.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic keyboarding skills are required.
Microsoft Word II
Turn a boring letter into a work of art! Learn to add pictures, WordArt, columns, and even create your own bullet points. This class is recommended for those who would like to have more than a basic understanding of Microsoft Word. It is also helpful to those who are interested in learning the new features of the 2007 version.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Basic word processing skills, such as highlighting, and an understanding of the concepts taught in Word I are required.
Mail Merge
We are surrounded by the products of mail merges every day without even realizing it! Almost every mass mailing is created by a mail merge. However, it can also be used on a less massive scale. Learn to turn a list of names and addresses into a sheet of mailing labels, thank you letters, and many other things! This class is great for those who want to learn this time-saving skill, as well as those who would like a review.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing, basic keyboarding skills and experience using Microsoft Word are required. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel is helpful.
Microsoft Excel
Don’t waste time figuring out things by hand! Learn the basics of this incredibly versatile spreadsheet program, such as entering data into cells, formatting, and creating charts. We will also cover basic functions (like finding the sum of a column of numbers) and sorting (like putting a list in alphabetical order).
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic keyboarding skills are required.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Need to create a wedding or family slide show? A speech or presentation for school or church? PowerPoint can help and we can help you learn PowerPoint! Learn how to use different slide layouts, transitions, animations, links, and photos in this amazing program.
Meets in the Computer Classroom, 2nd Floor.
Typing and basic keyboarding skills are required.
Posted by eileen on April 13, 2010
Have things to get rid of? Head to Wheaton’s Recycling Extravaganza on Saturday, April 17. It is held in the parking lot at Liberty Drive and Carlton Avenue from 9am to 1pm.
Accepted items include:
Books
Scrap metal
Eye glasses
Keys
Hearing aids
Worn American flags
Cell phones
Bicycles in working order
Computers and computer accessories
TVs, VCRs, DVD players
Phones, fax machines
Small household appliances
Please do NOT bring:
Refrigerators
Air Conditioners
Batteries
For more information, please call the Environmental Improvement Commission at 630-690-1237 or 630-653-8877.
Check out some unique ways items have been recycled at DwellSmart. One of our favorites is the computer circuit board turned into a picture frame!
Posted by eileen on January 26, 2010
Join us this Wednesday evening for two great classes.
6:30-7:30pm Introduction to Craigslist – Learn how to stay safe, buy, sell, and find a job on this popular website.
7:45-9pm Introduction to Facebook – Learn the basics of Facebook, how it started, and how to use its privacy features.
To register for either or both of the classes, please call 630-868-7510.
Posted by eileen on September 1, 2009
Register for one of our free September Computer Classes!
Internet Searching and Intro. to Online Databases – Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 10am-Noon
Intro. to Microsoft Excel – Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10am-Noon
Intro. to Microsoft PowerPoint – Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 10am-Noon
Microsoft Word I – Thursday, Sept. 10 from 10am-Noon
Microsoft Word II – Friday, Sept. 11 from 10am-Noon
Mail Merge – Friday, Sept. 18 from 10am-11:30am
Registration is required for all classes and you must register for each class individually. Please see the Computer Classes page for Requirements and Class Descriptions. Register online through WPL’s Event Calendar!
Posted by eileen on April 29, 2009
I’m trying something new in May. Since the library is no longer offering a Computer Basics class, I am going to offer a New Computer User Drop-in time. It will be held from 11am-12:30pm on the third Thursday of each month, in the 2nd Floor Computer Classroom. This is a great opportunity for those new to computers to come in and practice. Mouse tutorials and other lessons will be available. Also, there will be at least one librarian available to answer questions. If you know anyone who could benefit from this, please pass this info on!
This is called a “drop-in” because I want people to be able to just show up. However, there is limited space in the classroom. To guarantee a spot at a computer, please register through the online event calendar beginning May 1 at 9am.
Posted by eileen on March 31, 2009
Back in January, I wrote a blog post titled On or Off?. Today on a Yahoo! Tech blog, I noticed a post titled, “Leaving computers on overnight=$2.8 billion a year.” Well, that’s a much more attention-grabbing title than “On or Off?”! This blog post also pointed to the 2009 PC Energy Report from the 1E Energy Awareness Campaign. You can download the entire report in PDF format from their site. Just click on PC Energy Report US 2009, near the bottom of the page. This report says, based on findings in an October 2008 study, “companies across the US are wasting $2.8 billion and emitting 20 million tons of carbon dioxide to power PCs that aren’t shut down.” See page 4 of the report for these stats.
So, in summary, TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTERS! Don’t leave your laptop on overnight, don’t leave your printer on when you’re not using it, etc. Save yourself some money, while doing your tiny part to help the planet. Image from http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/130078
Posted by eileen on January 22, 2009
February Computer Classes have been scheduled!
Computer Basics – Mon. 2/9 from 7-8pm
Internet – Tues., 2/10 from 7-9pm
Email – Wed., 2/11 from 7-9pm
PowerPoint – Mon., 2/16 from 7-9pm
Word I – Tues., 2/17 from 7-9pm
Word II – Wed., 2/18 from 7-9pm
Excel – Mon., 2/23 from 2-4pm OR 7-9pm
Mail Merge – Tues., 2/24 from 7-9pm
Register for each class individually. Registration for Feb. classes begins Mon., Feb. 2 at 9am. Please call 630-868-7505 to register. Or register online at http://www.wheatonlibrary.org/compclass.html.
Learning a foreign language? Take a look at the library’s Foreign Language site. You’ll find links to helpful library catalog searches, such as Recordings on CD and cassette and Videos and DVDs. You can also use Mango Languages, an online service provided by the Friends of Wheaton Public Library, that teaches practical conversation and cultural awareness for the world’s most popular languages. Create a free account on Mango Languages to keep track of your progress. Choose from a basic lesson or more in-depth language study lessons.
