Tech Classes

Introduction to Google Calendar

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 5:00 pm

This class presents the basics of how to use Google Calendar.

We'll cover accessing your personal calendar, creating events, inviting guests, setting reminders, and basic customizing of your calendar.

A personal Google account is strongly recommended. Basic mouse and keyboard skills are required.

Exploring Google Workspace

Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 1:30 pm

Your Google email address (Gmail) provides access to a lot of collaboration tools like Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, and more.

This overview presentation will show the basics of accessing and navigating the Google Workspace platform so you can get the most from the tools.

A personal Gmail account is strongly recommended. Bring your own device to follow along.

Digitizing and Preserving Family Archives

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 3:30 pm

Learn how to preserve your family's history in this introduction to digitizing photographs, letters, and other cherished materials.

Discover simple tools and techniques to create a digital archive that’s easy to share and access.

Introduction to Google Docs

Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10:30 am

This hands-on class introduces Google Docs. Learn to create documents, share, save, download, upload, print, and more.

Basic mouse skills and a Gmail account are required. Limited to nine participants.

Talking Tech: Unplugging Ourselves

Monday, June 16, 2025, 5:30 pm

This discussion will cover how being 'plugged in' to the world makes us feel and how we may be able to go about finding some time away from the digital spaces.

Are there hobbies and interests that allow us to focus on ourselves and not our devices? From setting personal limits to exploring alternatives, we invite discussion of how we feel when being part of the digital world and what we may wish to change.

Cables, Ports, and Plugs

Saturday, June 21, 2025, 10:30 am

Have you ever been confused by a random cable lying around? This class explores the most commonly used ports and plugs used by technology.

Feel free to bring up to three of your own mysterious cables. Limited to 10 participants.

Getting Started with Genealogy Research

Thursday, June 26, 2025, 1:00 pm

Interested in your ancestry or finding information on bygone family members? This class introduces all the library has to offer to help you search for your roots.

We will go over basics of Ancestry.com, HeritageHub for obituaries, and other online tools that can help you connect with your family. Learn tips, tricks, and best practices.

Overview of Platforms for Building Websites

Monday, July 14, 2025, 5:30 pm

Many options are available to help you build a website. This overview presentation will discuss some of the most popular platforms, including Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.

Search Engine Optimization and Website Discoverability

Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 12:00 pm

In this two-part series, local businesses learn to understand and leverage the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Whether you're new to SEO or are looking to refine your digital strategy, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to enhance your online presence. Led by Valerie Moothart with SEO Design Chicago. 

Session 1: Understanding SEO and Best Practices
Learn what SEO is, why it matters, and what search engines recommend for optimizing your website. We’ll break down key ranking factors, explore common SEO myths, and discuss strategies to improve your visibility in search results.

Session 2: Local SEO and Building a Strong Digital Presence
In this session, we’ll dive into local SEO—what it takes to get found by customers in your area. Topics include optimizing your Google Business Profile, local citations, online reviews, and content strategies tailored to your community.

Why Is the Internet so Full of Junk?

Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 5:30 pm

AI-generated content is flooding the internet. We’ll explore the rise of "AI slop," the junky, often bizarre and misleading content created by artificial intelligence.

We’ll discuss why it's suddenly everywhere in your social media feeds and share tips on how to spot it.

Computer Basics: Navigating the Internet

Friday, July 25, 2025, 11:00 am

This class teaches the basics of getting online, including choices of internet browsers, basic search functions, and website conventions.

Bring your own laptop or use a library device. Basic mouse and keyboard skills are required.

Introduction to Google Slides

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10:30 am

Similar to Microsoft's PowerPoint, Google Slides is a free online application that lets you make and format presentations.

This hands-on class introduces Google Slides, focusing on how to use different layouts, themes, backgrounds, and transitions, as well as how to save, download, upload, and print.

iPhone Basics

Sunday, July 27, 2025, 1:00 pm

This introductory class covers the basic functions of an iPhone. Learn about screen navigation, popular apps, and more. Bring your own iPhone.

Search Engine Optimization and Website Discoverability

Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 12:00 pm

In this two-part series, local businesses learn to understand and leverage the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Whether you're new to SEO or are looking to refine your digital strategy, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to enhance your online presence. Led by Valerie Moothart with SEO Design Chicago. 

Session 1: Understanding SEO and Best Practices
Learn what SEO is, why it matters, and what search engines recommend for optimizing your website. We’ll break down key ranking factors, explore common SEO myths, and discuss strategies to improve your visibility in search results.

Session 2: Local SEO and Building a Strong Digital Presence
In this session, we’ll dive into local SEO—what it takes to get found by customers in your area. Topics include optimizing your Google Business Profile, local citations, online reviews, and content strategies tailored to your community.

A Fresh Look at Microsoft Edge

Thursday, July 31, 2025, 5:30 pm

The internet browser Edge from Microsoft has recently gotten a makeover. Explore new features like AI app Copilot, vertical tabs, integrated VPN, split screen and collections, and screen reader.

Limited to eight participants.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10:30 am

Learn how to use PowerPoint to tell your story in a presentation.

This hands-on class is an introduction to the essentials of Microsoft PowerPoint 2019: tabs, layouts, themes, background, bullets, animations, and more.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills are needed.

Talking Tech: Data Privacy and Online Security

Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 5:30 pm

Let's explore the broad topics of data, security, and privacy across the online world.

Do you have questions about cookies or ad blockers? What does the recent bankruptcy of 23 and Me mean about health information? We invite you to come discuss how you think about data privacy in your life.

Using Apple Notes

Monday, August 18, 2025, 1:00 pm

Apple Notes is a great function that can organize little bits of data you glean from social media or scan newspaper recipes. You can also delegate your to-do lists to family members.

Apple Notes has integrated document scanning, checklists, and Siri compatibility. Bring your own Apple device or use one of the library's iPads in this hands-on workshop.

Getting Started with Google Drive and Cloud Storage

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 12:00 pm

Learn how to use this popular cloud-based file storage option connected to your Google account.

Learn to navigate the interface and how to organize, sync, and locate files. Access, create, and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more in this one-stop shop. Plus, learn how to share files and access things through the mobile app.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills required, Google account preferred. Bring your own laptop or use a library device.