KDL Blog » Research & Computer Tips http://blog.kdl.org The blog of the Kent District Library, with 18 branch locations serving Kent County, Michigan Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:00:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 Free Access to lynda.com http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31390 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31390#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:48:17 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31390 lynda_logo3r-d_144xKDL patrons now have access to lynda.com, which offers high quality online video tutorials on a huge range of topics! These are available on demand, so you can access them at any time.

Enjoy unlimited access to lynda.com’s vast library of high-quality, current and engaging video tutorials taught by recognized industry experts. More than 3,000 courses are available to help anyone learn business, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

This new resource is listed under the Online Learning category of our Reference Resources page or can be linked to directly at http://www.kdl.org/database_references/151.

Enjoy!

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One eBook, No Holds! http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31165 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31165#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:25:56 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31165 Big Library ReadJoin millions of readers around the world reading one eBook. As part of Overdrive’s Big Library Read program, we are pleased to offer our patrons unlimited access to the eBook Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the Bard by Laura Bates now through March 31. No matter how many KDL patrons are reading or listening to this book, we will have a copy available for you to download — no holds, no waitlists! In this easy-to-read autobiography, Laura details her experience teaching Shakespearean works to relate with inmates in solitary confinement.

We encourage you to join this global “library book club!” Download the book today!

 

 

 

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Free Computer Classes for Adults http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30674 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30674#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:30:41 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30674 Spring 2015 Computer Class BrochureWhether you’re a computer novice or looking to update your skills, KDL’s free computer classes can help you learn something new! Registration opens today for our April classes:

  • Computer Basics: Mousing and More!
  • Computer Basics: Where’s My Stuff?
  • Digital Photos: Online Photo Editing Fun
  • Digital Photos: Online Photo Sharing, Saving and Ordering
  • Gadgets: B.Y.O. eReader & Tablet Users Group
    (pre-registration not required)
  • Gadgets: B.Y.O. iPad Users Group
    (pre-registration not required)
  • Internet: Email Basics
  • Internet: Facebook Basics
  • Internet: Getting Started on Craigslist
  • Internet: Google — More Than Just a Search Engine
  • Internet: Internet Basics and More
  • Internet: Online Security
  • Internet: Pinterest Basics
  • Microsoft Excel Basics I & II
  • Microsoft Office Workshop
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
  • Speak to a Geek (pre-registration not required)

For class descriptions and schedule, please see our brochure or search our events calendar.

Unless otherwise noted, pre-registration is required and will begin the month before the scheduled classes on the first Monday of each month for KDL cardholders and the second Monday for non-KDL cardholders (if space is still available):

  • April classes: Registration begins Monday, March 2 for KDL cardholders
    (Monday, March 9 for non-KDL cardholders)
  • May classes: Registration begins Monday, April 6 for KDL cardholders
    (Monday, April 13 for non-KDL cardholders)

To register, please call 616-784-2007.

]]> http://blog.kdl.org/?feed=rss2&p=30674 0 Spring 2015 KDL Kaleidoscope http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31228 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31228#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2015 22:00:46 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=31228 The Spring 2015 issue of the KDL Kaleidoscope program guide is now available online, and printed copies will be available soon at your local branch library. You’ll find all you need to know about spring programs and get some great information on library resources and staff recommendations.

It’s sure to be an exciting season at KDL, and you don’t want to miss a thing. Check out the KDL Kaleidoscope today!

 

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Early Lit Bits: Music Minute http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30787 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30787#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:00:20 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30787 Can you carry a tune? Did you know that singing with children helps them learn to read? Learn why in this Ready to Read video from Kent District Library:


 

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.

 

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Free Computer Classes for Adults http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30669 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30669#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2015 16:30:50 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30669 Spring 2015 Computer Class BrochureWhether you’re a computer novice or looking to update your skills, KDL’s free computer classes can help you learn something new! Registration opens today for our March classes:

  • Computer Basics: Mousing and More!
  • Computer Basics: Where’s My Stuff?
  • Computer Basics: Windows 8 — Using It and Loving It!
    (B.Y.O. Laptop)
  • Digital Photos: Online Photo Editing Fun
  • Gadgets: B.Y.O. eReader & Tablet Users Group
    (pre-registration not required)
  • Internet: Email Basics
  • Internet: Facebook Basics
  • Internet: Getting Started on Craigslist
  • Internet: Google — More Than Just a Search Engine
  • Internet: Internet Basics and More
  • Internet: Online Security
  • Microsoft Excel Basics I & II
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
  • Microsoft Word Basics I, II & III
  • Speak to a Geek (pre-registration not required)

For class descriptions and schedule, please see our brochure or search our events calendar.

Unless otherwise noted, pre-registration is required and will begin the month before the scheduled classes on the first Monday of each month for KDL cardholders and the second Monday for non-KDL cardholders (if space is still available):

  • March classes: Registration begins Monday, February 2 for KDL cardholders
    (Monday, February 9 for non-KDL cardholders)
  • April classes: Registration begins Monday, March 2 for KDL cardholders
    (Monday, March 9 for non-KDL cardholders)
  • May classes: Registration begins Monday, April 6 for KDL cardholders
    (Monday, April 13 for non-KDL cardholders)

To register, please call 616-784-2007.

]]> http://blog.kdl.org/?feed=rss2&p=30669 0 Playing with Pinterest http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30845 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30845#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:45:28 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30845 Pinterest, for the uninitiated, is like a virtual bulletin board.  When you find something online that you want to save, you can “pin” it and save it for later.  As a social media tool, it allows you to visually discover, collect, share and store pictures and websites that interest you.  Best of all, you can share your “pins” with your friends, and collect ideas from their boards.

I admit, I find myself browsing Pinterest quite often.  More than once I’ve looked up from my computer and realized that I had spent two hours staring at pins of luxurious vacation places I could never afford.  But after a while, I decided to focus on using Pinterest with a purpose–not just to plan imaginary trips.

When I started to browse with a purpose in mind, I found Pinterest helped me discover ideas for educating and entertaining my children.  Suddenly, instead of looking for faraway places to vacation, I was searching for DIY activities for my toddler.  I found a way to construct my own geoboard.  I followed a collection of great read-alouds that I knew my children would all enjoy.  There were early literacy activities to help my preschooler, and great recipes to feed my family.

DIY Geoboard

DIY Geoboard

My virtual bulletin board was growing, my kids were busy creating with shapes and colors, and dinner was in the crockpot!


Follow Kent District Library on Pinterest and engage with our community of ideas.  You’ll be amazed at what you discover.

 

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New ScienceFlix Learning Resource for Kids http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30770 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30770#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:00:00 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30770 ScienceFlixWe are pleased to offer a new online resource just for kids — ScienceFlix from children’s publisher Scholastic!

You may already be familiar with two related products from Scholastic: BookFlix, which pairs fictional video storybooks with nonfiction eBooks, and TrueFlix, which uses interactive nonfiction books to help hone literacy skills and build subject-area knowledge. ScienceFlix focuses in on engaging subject-area science, technology and engineering content for students in grades 4-9.

ScienceFlix

Each of the 30 multimedia units are aligned to science curriculum standards and feature:

  • Engaging videos to build background knowledge and introduce vocabulary
  • Articles written at three reading levels to ensure comprehension and build content knowledge
  • Project and experiment ideas
  • News stories with study guides
  • Careers section to inspire budding scientists
  • Multimedia including interactive timelines, slideshows, videos and more
  • Editorially vetted and safe links to websites on related content for further learning

There are also Teacher Resources available, such as lesson plans, project ideas, quizzes, videos and media galleries.

Try it out today!

 

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New Zinio Magazines Available http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30642 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30642#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:30:00 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30642 Zinio_logo

Our Zinio digital magazine service now has even more of your favorite titles! We’ve added subscriptions to the following new magazines that you can download and enjoy for FREE on your computer or mobile device:

 

Allrecipes Better Homes and Gardens The Economist HGTV Magazine

The New Yorker Parents Vanity Fair Vanity Fair

Click here to view a complete list of all titles offered through Zinio.

 

Happy Downloading!

 

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KDL Branches to Open at Noon Today, Jan.9 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30586 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30586#comments Fri, 09 Jan 2015 10:57:52 +0000 http://blog.kdl.org/?p=30586 Due to hazardous road conditions, KDL branches with regular morning hours will open at 12:00 PM today. This morning’s storytime programs are cancelled. Please be safe and we hope to see you at KDL this afternoon!

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