News &Events. Indiana Free Library. More Services, More Help, More Fun I. Tablets and Hotspots Are Here!

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1 Indiana Free Library News &Events Spring 2017 Serving Indiana for 110 Years! Issue 1, Volume 20 Director s Letter More Services, More Help, More Fun I t may be winter, but things are heating up at your library. In addition to our great array of monthly and weekly programs, we are offering more and more online services for your enrichment. Gale Courses Through a grant from our local Rotary, IFL is now able to offer you free online classes on hundreds of topics from Gale Courses. These six-week, instructor-led classes are available to you from our website so you can take them anywhere you have an Internet connection. Many of the courses are career building and may help you train for new opportunities or build skills to use where you are. There are also dozens of classes for hobby interests, technology, and personal enrichment. You may take them for certification if it helps with employment or just skip the final and take them for your own enjoyment. See page 2 for more information and check out the entire list of options at the Learn Online tab at our website, If you need a place to take a class or want some assistance, on Wednesdays at 3 pm beginning February 15th we will open the Community Room to offer help and even the use of our laptops. See page 2 for details. Learning Express Want to build your career? If a six-week course is not what you need, you can look at Learning Express, also under Learn Online on our website, for a way to study for that life- changing exam. You can use Learning Express to prepare for many admissions exams, the GED or GRE. It also helps with basic studies (Algebra anyone?). Explore the options. There are many professions, such as nursing or law enforcement or civil service that you can prepare for with this very helpful site. Connectivity Help No computer? No Internet? We have a fix for that too! The library is now offering short-term rentals of tablets and hotspots through T-mobile. We are excited to announce our new Tablets and Hotspots rental program at the library! There are many in our community who do not own a computer, have never tried a tablet, or have no Internet service available at home. These tablets and hotspots can meet a need for those who may want to apply online for jobs, take one of our online courses, or just stay connected in time of transition. The hotspots can give connectivity with See the article below for details, or ask at the library s Front Desk. Traditional Services Of course, in addition to our Many of the courses are career building... and for personal enrichment. online offerings, we have a host of great programs for adults and children in the library that offer opportunities for learning, socializing and just plain fun. And don t forget to check out our collection of books, movies, magazines and audiobooks. We are always adding new items for your reading, watching and listening enjoyment. As always, thank you for helping us serve you and the Indiana community. Tablets and Hotspots Are Here! What s a Hotspot? A device that creates a small area of Wi- Fi coverage allowing nearby Wi-Fi devices to connect to the Internet. unlimited data for up to five people, so the whole family can be Internet active at once. This program is not designed for permanent connectivity, but offers a short-term solution that may be the right answer for some. We are offering these Android Tablets and Hotspots from T- Mobile for rent, at $2 per day, pre-paid, for a maximum of 6 weeks. A valid credit card is required. Librarians will give you all the instructions you need to get started. Ask for more details when you visit the library. Click here to read more!

2 Online Services Don t Put It Off! Learn Something New Today! W hat do you want to learn? We are excited to be able to offer free online classes through Gale Courses on a wide range of exciting topics. We do hope that just looking down the list of available courses will pique your curiosity and you will find something New to Online Classes? Try Your Library! Want to try out our NEW Gale Courses but have never taken an online class? We are here to help. Every Wednesday at 3:00 starting on February 15th a librarian will be available to help with signing-up, navigating course materials, submitting assignments and more. We have 6 laptops to use, or bring your own. Headphones and a flash drive recommended. Course topics range from drawing, and guitar to grant writing and starting your own business. Please call the library to reserve your spot. Contact Lauri (724) for more information. you d like to try. The courses are free, and are available now through the generosity of our local Rotary Club. You can register at any time, but classes begin the third Wednesday of each month. These courses are instructorled, with two classes being released each week for six-weeks. You can take them on your own schedule from any device. A certification can be printed at the completion of the courses. A final exam is usually involved for certification which can be used in a job setting or to accompany your resume. Completion is not required. Classes not taken for credit don t require a certification, so you can skip the final and just enjoy the learning! There is no limit on the number of classes you can take, but it is recommended to take no more than one at a time. Many thanks to our Rotary for making this possible and furthering our mission of Lifelong Learning. So what do YOU want to learn? Don t put it off another day! Try a free online course. Don t Miss These Digital Downloads & Resources We continue to offer these great services for use on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Get started at (Library card required for some resources.) Downloadable ebooks and Audiobooks from OverDrive. Read books on your e-reader, phone or other device. Select the Digital Downloads tab. Streaming Movies from InstantFlix. Independent movies, foreign films, short and Film Festival Awardees. Select the Online Movies tab. Digital Magazines from Zinio. Browse, check out and read popular magazines in your browser or download to mobile apps. Select Digital Downloads. Freegal Streaming Music. Free access to 8 million songs. Select Digital Downloads. Ancestry.com. Research your family tree at the library. Select the Ancestry tab. Select Reads. Reading recommendations based on your personal interests via e-newsletters. Go to the Select Reads tab. Power Library. Free research database for kids and adults. Click the Power Library tab. Resources. Click this tab for e- Reference books and helpfpul sites. LearningExpress Library Improving basic skills, passing a career licensing exam, achieving a high school equivalency credential, and preparing for college admissions tests just got easier with the collection of digital resources now available in LearningExpress Library. Patrons can learn about careers and prepare for occupational licensing exams in allied health, civil service, law enforcement, nursing, teaching, and other top fields. There s academic skill building (reading, writing, and math) for students and adults, including resources in Spanish. College-bound students can practice for Advanced Placement tests, college admissions, college placement, and graduate school exams. Patrons also gain access to test prep for the WorkKeys Assessments and the GED, HiSET, and TASC tests, and much more. The resources include interactive tutorials, practice tests and exercises, and more than 200 downloadable ebooks. LearningExpress Library resources are available free to Indiana Free Library cardholders. Go to and click on the Learn Online tab to get started. For more information, contact the library Have Tech Questions? Reserve a Librarian! Have a question about your e- reader? Need help setting up an account? Reserve a Librarian! When you place a librarian on reserve, you will schedule a 15 or 30 minute period for one-on-one help with the topic of your choice. Reserve a Librarian will be available from 10 am - 3 pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Sign up at least 24 hours in advance at the Reference Desk or by calling (724)

3 Children s Programs Weekly Story Times Check out our new and returning children s weekly programs and special events this fall. All programs run from 10:30-11 am. Mondays Musical Mondays. A lively singing & dancing program for pre-readers! Tuesdays Toddler Tales. Fostering literacy begins early and this program introduces stories and songs to our young audi- ence. Especially for 2 & 3 year olds. Wednesdays Preschool Story Time. This fun-filled program teaches important literacy skills through books and a craft on a special theme! For 3-5 year olds. Thursdays Book Babies. This program introduces your baby to the sounds of language through simple stories and rhymes. For little ones birth to 24 months. Fun & Engaging Online Learning for Young Children The comprehensive and engaging curriculum at ABC Mouse helps parents and educators achieve important objectives of language development and literacy for young children, while also providing a wealth of enrichment activities. Available for use in the library. Miss Humblebee s Academy, an award-winning, online curriculum for children preschool through kindergarten, is available from our website. The curriculum lays the foundation for learning success in core subject areas: math, science and social studies, language and literacy, art, and music. Look for the Miss Humblebee s logo at the bottom of the Children s page at Valentine s Used Book Sale Saturday, February am - 3:00 pm Do you love mysteries, cookbooks, thrillers, history, or romance? We have all those and more! Satisfy your passion for reading while supporting your library! Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Saturday February pm Indiana Free Library and the Indiana County Reading Council invite families to Literacy Day, a special celebration of Dr. Seuss. This funfilled day features crafts, stories, food, and other activities covering all three floors of the library. Pennsylvania One Book Every Young Child Meet the Author! Friday, March 12:30 pm Join us for this special Friday family event! Author Micha Archer will be visiting the Indiana Free Library to talk with children about her new book Daniel Finds a Poem. This informative family program will provide an opportunity to meet an award-winning author. Summer Reading 2017 The Indiana Free Library invites families to help us Build A Better World this summer as we explore the who, what, where and how of building. We will learn more about the important work of engineers, architects, and construction crews, explore different types of dwellings and structures, and study ancient communities. Guest presentations, hands-onactivities, reading challenges, and more will give us a better understanding of our world. Watch for more details coming soon! 3

4 Learn to Trace Your Family Tree Have you ever considered tracing your genealogy? Have you started a family tree and don't know where to go now? Would you like to learn about Ancestry.com (available here at the library) and other websites that can help you? If so, join Kitty Hood for a genealogy class at the library: Monday, March 20, 5 pm; Tuesday April 11, 11 am, and Indiana County Walking Decathlon Informational Meeting Monday February 7 pm Come learn the details of and ask questions about the Indiana County Walking Decathlon that is being held between February and May Earn prizes by walking in our Indiana County Parks and walking with our group leaders on the WalkWorks walking routes or working out at the Y! Did I mention you can earn prizes by walking?!? Learn Tips and Tricks to Save Money Today! Join us Monday, February 27th at 7 pm for Save the Money You ll Want Soon, a fun and completely judgment-free session filled with tips and ideas to increase your savings today! Anna Frank from First Commonwealth Bank will be on hand with these great ideas. Refreshments will be served. Wednesday April 12, 7 pm. These classes will be freeform for all levels of interest; bring your questions. Come to one, two or all three classes! Bring your laptop, tablet or other device if you would like. A limited number of library laptops will be available for use during the class. Please call the library to sign up :(724) Spring Gardening Programs Don t miss our Spring Gardening programs presented by the Indiana Master Gardeners. February 13, 6 pm: Gardening with Children March 14, 1 pm: Selections for a Tea Garden March 28, 1 pm: Help Save the Monarchs: Plant a Butterfly Garden May 2, 1 pm: Hardy Hibiscus for the Pennyslvania Garden May 9, 1 pm: Perennials Check indianafreelibrary.org for more programs! Dressing an Elizabethan Lady Monday, April 7 pm New Crochet Group Hooked on crocheting or want to learn? Come to our new Crochet Group Monday evenings at 7 pm beginning February 20. We also have knitting, Wednesdays at 7 pm; quilting, Thursdays at 1 pm; Photography Club third Wednesdays of the month at 7 pm; and Creative Writing Club, fourth Mondays at 7 pm. Curious about underpinnings? What is a farthingale, anyway? And what, exactly, did Elizabeth I put on for a days' worth of Queenly activities? Join Katie Gaudreau, living historian and medieval enthusiast, on a visual tour of the many layers and styles of women's Elizabethan dress. Refreshments will be served. Kilronan Celtic Music Concert Monday, March 7 pm Celebrate St. Patrick s Day with an evening of traditional Celtic music, featuring Carl Rahknonen, violin, and Dan Murphy, guitar. Free. Refreshments served. Acoustic Jam Sessions Bring your instrument and join Louise Bem and other music enthusiasts for Acoustic Jams on one Saturday morning a month, 10:30-12:30. Spring dates are February 18, March 11, April 22, May 13 and June10. Not a musician? Come listen and join the fun! In the second floor community Room. For more information louisebem249@comcast.net Coming in March Brown Bag Concerts: Lunchtime concerts by talented local musicians. Bring your lunch, and we ll provide the entertainment! Concerts begin at noon. Watch for details. Color Me Happy Monday February 7 PM There s a new stress-reducer that s making waves for adults all across the country: Coloring! The great thing about coloring is anyone can do it and it gives you the chance to relive some childhood joy without worrying about deadlines, s, or projects. Join us for this special Valentine s Day edition. We will have Valentine s Day coloring pages as well as some of our favorite designs. Adults and teens are welcome to come and color, socialize, and relax. 4

5 C ome to one of our book clubs this spring. We have FIVE clubs and SIX meeting times each month. Books are available at the front desk and refreshments are served. February 1, March 1, April 5, May 12 noon IFL Taster s Club. Each month a new cookbook is selected and each member picks a recipe from the book to try. On meeting day, members bring their prepared dishes, sample each other s creations, and discuss the recipes and what did and didn t work. A delicious, fun way to discover new cookbooks! New members always welcome. February 11 am & February 7 pm IFL Book Club The Mapmaker s Children, by Sarah McCoy. When abolitionist John Brown s daughter Sarah realizes her artistic talents may help save the lives of slaves fleeing north, she becomes a mapmaker for the Underground Railroad. February 11 am True Story Book Club - Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, by Erik Larson. Gripping and important, Dead Wake captures the drama and emotional power of a disaster whose details and true meaning have long been obscured by history. February 11 am Forever Young Book Club Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K. Rowling. Join us as we read (or re-read) one of the most imaginative and magical book series of all time. Worshipped by kids, enjoyed by adults, this modern myth has become an accepted classic worldwide. February 10:30 am Classics Book Club Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. This classic comedy of manners tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's five unmarried daughters after the rich and eligible. Bingley and his dour friend, Mr. Darcy, move into their neighborhood. Taster s Club Cookbook Club IFL Book Club Contemporary reads Forever Young Book Club Young Adult & Children s books for adults March 11 am & March 7 pm IFL Book Club Me Before You, by Jo Jo Moyes. Louisa Clark is living an ordinary life until she begins working for ex Master of the Universe Will Traynor. Will is wheelchair bound after an accident, and Louisa sets out to show him that life is still worth living. March 11 am True Story Book Club - Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital, by Sheri Fink. Fink s landmark investigation of patient deaths at a New Orleans hospital ravaged by Hurricane Katrina reconstructs 5 days at Memorial Medical Center and draws the reader into the lives of those who struggled to survive. March 11 am Forever Young Book Club Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling. Join us as we read (or re-read) one of the most imaginative and magical book series of all time. Worshipped by kids, enjoyed by adults, this modern myth has become an accepted classic worldwide. March 10:30 am Classics Book Club The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison. Morrison s virtuosic first novel asks powerful questions about race, class, and gender with the subtlety and grace that characterize her writing. April 7 pm April 11 am IFL Book Club A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. Behind Ove s cranky exterior there is a story and a What Is Your Taste in Books? Classics Book Club -- Classic and award-winning fiction True Story Book Club History, biography and other nonfiction sadness. So when one morning a chatty young family moves in next door and accidentally flatten Ove s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship. April 11 am True Story Book Club -- The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, by Nicholas Carr. Carr has crystallized one of the most important debates of our time: As we enjoy the Net s bounties, are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply? This is a book that will forever alter the way we think about media and our minds. April 11 am Forever Young Book Club Everything, Everything, by Nicola Yoon. Meet Maddy, a girl who s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly, the boy who moves in next door... and becomes the greatest risk she s ever taken. April 10:30 am Classics Book Club The Decline and Fall, by Evelyn Waugh. Sent down from Oxford after a wild, drunken party, Paul Pennyfeather is oddly surprised to find himself qualifying for the position of schoolmaster at a boys' private school in Wales. His colleagues are an assortment of misfits, rascals and fools. In Evelyn Waugh's dazzling debut, the young run riot and no one is safe, least of all Paul. Do you have your own book club at home or through an organization? Ask us how you can borrow Book Club Kits from the library! (724)

6 Libraries Change Lives! Make it Happen! Please support YOUR Indiana Free Library YOUR generous donation will enable us to: Remain a vital force in our community by meeting the increasing demands for all library services Maintain the current level of professional assistance and hours of operation YOUR donation in any amount is greatly appreciated! Your sponsorship of $150 and above will be posted at the entrance of the library, on our digital display, website and seasonal newsletter. Sponsorships may be shared or supported by more than one person or even groups. Online donations may be made at All donations are tax deductible. The Literary League: $1 - $149 The Mary E. Ahern Club: $150 - $300 1 hour Library Sponsorship The Dewey Book Group: $301 - $409 2 hours Library Sponsorship; name on Donor Wall The Franklin Library Company: $500 - $999 Half day Library Sponsorship; name on Donor Wall The Carnegie Society: $1000+ Full day Library Sponsorship for each $1000; name on Donor Wall The Alexandria Society: $5000+ Full week Library Sponsorship; name on Permanent Plaque Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Select a Sponsorship Date: Check here if you wish to remain anonymous. Please print and mail this sheet with your donation or drop it off: The Indiana Free Library 845 Philadelphia St. Indiana, PA 15701