Author Archives: Juliana Haubrich

Reading is Great youth program!

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adult and child reading

This program has been temporarily suspended while Williams College students are on summer break. The program will resume in September when they return for classes.

“Reading is Great” is a buddy system reading program in partnership with Williams College.   Your child can have a Williams College student be their “reading buddy” for a time, to encourage their reading skills.

“Reading is Great” is offered on Saturday mornings from 10:30-noon, in the Children’s Room at the Milne Public Library.

This program will be suspended during the Williams College Spring Break: March 15-31.

Chess Program in Full Swing!

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ChessSetOur 3 week chess program is in full swing.  Although it is totally full for enrollment, families should know that the library owns 4 chess sets, so if kids wish to play for fun, after school, they are welcome to do so!

The library also owns a variety of other fun board games, so come in and find a cure for your family’s cabin fever!

On-line database repair instructions

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For those of you you do extensive research using the state’s databases like Power Search and InfoTrac, the geo-location service recently failed. What this means for you is that you need to clear out old book marks or shortcuts that you may have used to access the service. Here is the best explanation of “clearing your cache” that we’ve read so far. Remember that “cache clearing” also fixes a number of problems with old websites that may not be acting properly.

The geolocation is now working properly. The problem was with a server at Maxmind, the company that handles geolocation for the statewide databases. It is important that you clear you cache BEFORE you click on your database URL’s be sure that you don’t bring up a cached login prompt screen.

How to clear your cache:
FireFox 3.5 and above, you do this by clicking on the Tools button and then clear recent history. Check the cache box.
Explorer 8.0 and above, click on Tools, then Internet Options, and finally delete browsing history.

For other browsers or versions, Indiana University has a good summary of cache clearing instructions: http://kb.iu.edu/data/ahic.html

Alice Shaver Foundation provides new computer lab for the Milne Library

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Through a generous grant from the Alice Saver Foundation, Williamstown, MA the Milne Public Library in Williamstown upgraded their computer lab. The grant paid for 6 new computers that replace PC’s that were almost 10 years old, plus new wide screen monitors. The new lab has faster speed and greater access to new applications and software. The patrons are all remarking on the incredible improvements to a highly used service.

In addition the library has added computer training on the website www.milnelibrary.org. The online service is called Atomic Training and provides access to online, on-demand video training tutorials on the most popular software. Users can improve job skills by learning specific software training tutorials, it helps users of all ages become more proficient on basic computer applications and it’s paced to use when time allows.  Some of the training tutorials include: Twitter, Skype, iPad, Word, Excel, Photoshop and many more to help with new technology.

The Library is highly dependent on fundraising and grants to provide the vital library that we have and to maintain the second highest circulation for a library in Berkshire County. You can anticipate that many users will enjoy sharing this up-to-date computer service to anyone who visits the Milne Library.

 

The Milne Public Library is located on Route 2 across from the Williams Inn. The hours of the Library are 10:5:30, Wednesday 10-8

and Saturday 10-4.

 

60 Ways to Use a Library Card

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1. Download an e-book. (Over three-quarters of libraries offer access to e-books. E-book readers are available for check-out at nearly 40 percent of libraries.)

2. Not sure how to download an e-book on your new device? A librarian can show you how. Take a workshop on how to use your e-reader or other gadgets.

3. Use a computer to finish a school project. (Over 62 percent of library outlets report they are the only provider of free public computer and Internet access in their communities.)

4. Use free Wi-Fi. (Almost 91 percent of public library outlets offer wireless Internet access.)

5. Learn the secrets of editing digital photos in a Photoshop class. (More than 90 percent of public libraries now offer formal or informal technology training.)

6. Learn how to edit your family vacation video.

7. Find love at the library: meet like-minded mates at a library speed dating event (or check out a romance novel).

8. Learn check mate: attend a library game night.

9. Take the kids to a free movie during spring break, or pick up a DVD to watch together at home… or get a movie for free from your library’s website.

10. Attend a family crafts workshop.

11. Attend preschool story hour with your child.

12. Start a parents & teens book club.

13. Ask for a recommended reading list for your kids.

14. Enroll your child in a summer reading program.

15. Save money while spending quality time: plan a family afternoon at place that’s free – the library!

16. Build your young reader’s self esteem by letting her read to a dog at the library.

17. Check out a pass to a city museum.

18. Launch your future: Get free assistance with job searches, resume writing and interviewing tips.

19. Use a library computer to apply for a job online or check out materials to help study for a certification exam. (92.2 percent of libraries offer access to job databases and other online job resources.)

20. Research your term paper.

21. Get help with homework.

22. Get ready for the SAT with online test-prep services.

23. Explore new opportunities and research technical schools, community colleges and universities.

24. Figure out how to pay for college at a free library seminar.

25. Learn about local candidates for office and pick up information on voter registration.

26. Book a meeting room for your club or community organization.

27. Learn about the history of your city or town.

28. Spend an hour with a “living book”; see if your library has a list of local experts who can share their knowledge on different subjects – like knitting, taxes, or training for a triathalon – or simply share a bit about themselves.

29. Get involved – join your library’s Friends group or teen advisory board.

30. Check out your favorite graphic novel.

31.Trek to another planet in a Sci-Fi novel.

32. Research before you buy. Access an online consumer guide on the library’s website.

33. Learn how to manage your money at a free financial planning seminar.

34. Search out tips for building your retirement nest egg.

35. Learn how to write a business plan.

36. Get new ideas for redecorating your house.

37. Hear a local author reading his/her latest novel.

38. …then research WWII espionage…

39. …then find a quiet spot to plug in your laptop and begin your own novel.

40. Use style guides to write a bibliography for your new book.

41. Learn how to self-publish – and market – your new book.

42. Take a cooking class.

43. Learn a new language with books or online language-learning software.

44. Broaden your world by checking out cookbooks of foods from other cultures.

45. Borrow or download an audio book for your next road trip or commute.

46. See a new art exhibit.

47. Volunteer as a literacy tutor.

48. Find a new hobby.

49. Enjoy a concert.

50. …then borrow some sheet music.

51. Use free online tools to research your family tree.

52. Empower yourself through home improvement: check out a book on learning how to fix that leaky faucet.

53. Find a quiet spot, curl up with a good book and enjoy.

54. Take a fitness class.

55. Talk mysteries with people who like mysteries, too, at a library book club.

56. Find the best resources on how to preserve that photo of your great grandmother.

57. Get growing! Check out seeds to plant in your backyard or community garden.

58. Go back in time: use databases or microfiche to access early newspapers or rent a “classic” movie, like “Back to the Future.”

59. Check out books in the bookmobile.

60. Learn new knitting techniques and get new patterns.”