One month down and the year is picking up speed. We have lots going on this month including a new set of Friday afternoon classes for more advanced computer users, new topics for Jobseekers Lifeline, new support groups starting up, the 2011 edition of our Teen Zine group and several special events for the shortest month of the year. Computer Classes 101
Hands on computer classes is one of our specialties here at the library with offerings for absolute beginners and more advanced students looking for specific information and skills. Wired Wednesdays are designed to introduce or refresh basic computer skills. These classes are held in the lab at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. This month’s offerings include: Web Basics Feb. 2; Searching the Web Feb. 9; Privacy & Safety Online Feb. 16; and Ebooks Feb. 23. Class size is limited and registration is required. Intermediate to advanced classes
If you have the computer basics down, it’s time to use your skills to increase your knowledge or improve your bottom line. The following classes will be held at 1:30 p.m. Fridays: Finding Reliable Health Info Online Feb. 11; Buying and selling on eBay Feb. 18; and Local History Online Feb. 25. Class size is limited and registration is essential. All about jobs
Looking for work can be a full-time job and we’re here to make it easier for you. Every Thursday starting at 1 p.m. we have either a Jobseekers Lifeline workshop or a meeting of the Job Club and no registration is required to learn from us or each other. The Job Club will meet Feb. 3 and again on the 17 to share leads and support. On Feb. 10 our guest speaker will talk about jobs in local and state government and what it takes to break into civil service. Untangle the mysteries of unemployment compensation with a special Q and A session of Feb. 24. Sew special
Whether you sew with a machine or stitch and knit by hand, we have the group for you. Pulling Threads meets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 2 in the community room with plenty of tables for quilt and other projects. Threaded Needle meets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 with the same setup. In Stitches ties up the month at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 with a traditional sewing circle setup for folks to socialize over a variety of hand needle arts. All the groups are open to new recruits. Support groups at BPL
Two relatively new support groups are meeting here at the library to help local residents connect with local resources and new friends. The Children of Aging Parents, a monthly gathering for adult children of aging parents, meets at 6 p.m. Thursday Feb. 10 to share tips on ways to make life easier. The Mental Illness Support Group is still in the process of formation for schedule information and to discover how you can help speak with Julia or e-mail [email protected]. Programs for writers and artists
Whether you work with the pen or the paintbrush, it’s great to have a community to work with. The library currently offers several opportunities to do just that. At 7 p.m. alternate Tuesdays, local writers meet in the storytime room to support each other and share their progress. This month’s sessions will be held on Feb. 8 and 22. Female artists from 13 on up are invited to join the girlVIRUS crew on the third Saturday of each month from noon to 3 p.m. This month’s meet up will include an afterhours screening of selected horror films in honor of Women in Horror month. Tea and coffee setup provided, but feel free to bring snacks to share. Last, but never least, teen writers and artists are invited to join us for the third edition of Teen Zine an eight-week arts workshop culminating in an online Zine and possible coffee shop performance. The fun begins Monday Feb. 28 and runs through April 18. Young Adults from eighth grade on are invited to join us as we continue the tradition of snacks, art and fellowship for another year. Family Business
Genealogist Louise Creighton will offer hands-on instruction on the HeritageQuest database at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 9 in the Community Room. Unlike Ancestry Library, which is available only through subscription or on the library’s in house computers, this handy genealogical tool can be accessed at home using your library card. Book business
The library currently sponsors two open book groups, but is always open to more. The Mystery Readers’ Club meets at 10 a.m. Thursday Feb. 10 to discuss “The Body in the Snow Drift,” by Katherine Hall Page. Later in the month, Books for Breakfast meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 15 to discuss “Manhunt,” by James L. Swanson. Refreshments will be served. New members are welcome in both groups Crafty business
Love crafts, but not the mess? We have lots of opportunities for craft lovers to have fun without the aftermath. First this month is card making and rubber stamping workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 10. I’m guessing it’ll be Valentine’s, but don’t hold me to it. Registration and a $15 materials fee are required. Missy returns for a Scrapbooking session at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 24. Registration and a $15 materials fee are required. Last, but never least, the February Basket Workshop, held at 10 a.m. Saturday Feb. 26, is perfect for the craftaholic or the serious housekeeper. Sandee of Cherished Baskets will teach you how to make a functional and attractive wastebasket. Registration and a $20 supply fee required. Love music?
Bring your love or mourn their loss, but join the group at 7 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 16 for our Open Mike follow up to Valentine’s Day with ballads or blues hosted by Merry Mischief. Performer sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m. Friends Present: Not Your Average Walk in the Park
At 10 a.m. Thursday Feb. 17, Baldwinsville resident and retired Fulton Postmaster Steve Swensen will talk about hiking the Appalachian Trail in the spring of 2004. Suggested $1 donation for the library Friends group is requested. Shonen + Shojo + Snacks
Join us for a little mecha and a little romance and a whole lot of fun with a side of ramen at 3:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 17. Kids only
We can’t let the adults have all the fun. In addition to our regular storytimes, we’re offering a preschool Valentine party (children 3 to 5 years old) at 10 a.m. Feb. 11 with Valentine crafts, stories and refreshments. Registration is required, so sign up at the checkout desk. Slightly older kids (third through sixth grades) are invited to a Valentine’s edition of the Second Mondays club at 6 p.m. Monday Feb. 14. We’re sure you will love the free pizza, fun, games and activities. Vacation specials
Children’s music duo Milk & Cookies will provide music, stories and interactive fun to liven up winter break at 2 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 23. This lively duo is recommended for children over 2 years old. No registration is required, but seating is limited so try to arrive before the show. At 2 p.m. Thursday Feb. 24, the young at heart are invited to our vacation movie, the tale of a world class villain brought down by three adorable orphans. Refreshments will be served. Val Chism is the young adult librarian at the Baldwinsville Public Library.