Getting connected

Libraries offer more than books

It’s 2011, and wallet-size smart phones offer advanced computing ability, built-in cameras and the ability to multitask at the push of a button. The first computers filled entire rooms, and in the last two decades society has watched as the desktop shrank to a laptop and then morphed into a tablet. But it’s hard to keep up with technology, especially if you’re of a generation that didn’t grow up with it.

For two years now, locals ranging from middle-aged to senior citizens have been coming to the Alachua branch Alachua County Library to take advantage of a chance to catch up.

Taught by two alternating librarians, the once-a-week hour-long course focuses on the core basics of computing. This week, the two women in attendance reviewed the anatomy of a computer’s hardware, what’s what of storage devices and the skills of how to maneuver a mouse.

Using an online tutorial called “Mousercise,” while guided step-by-step by the instructor, they practiced clicking, dragging and scrolling during the hands-on second half of the class.

Librarians confirmed that this week’s turnout was smaller than usual, saying sometimes there are as many as 10 students.

As the morning’s lesson came to a close, the instructor reminded his students, “The more practice your get with something, the better you’ll be.”

The computer class, held Wednesdays at 11 a.m., is one of several weekly activities at the Alachua library.

There is teen gaming Wednesdays at 1 p.m., pre-school story time Thursdays at 11 a.m., and for more physical enrichment there is zumba on Mondays at 6 p.m., yoga on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., pilates on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and craft circle once a month.

The library also hosts an array of special events throughout each month and will run several summer programs beginning in June.

All programs are free and open to the public, with the exception that some of the physical classes offered through the CHOICES program, which may have a residency requirement.

For more information on any of the classes or events listed, visit the Alachua County Library District Web site at http://aclib.us.