MINDEMOYA—There has been a great deal of excitement at the Mindemoya branch of the Central Manitoulin libraries lately. “First we got the new addition,” said Chief Librarian and CEO Claire Cline, “and now we have received a grant which enables us to hold free classes for seniors who want to learn computer skills or improve the skills they have. Now we can use the resource room in the new addition to hold these classes.”
The grant is a New Horizon for Seniors Program (NHSP) gift for $21,505 to have classes for seniors to learn about computers. The NHSP is part of the federal government’s Economic Action Plan (EAP). According to the EAP website, through the NHSP, the Government of Canada enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Since the program was launched in 2004, it has funded more than 12,200 projects.
The Mindemoya library computer classes are held every Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm and these courses may run until the end of February 2015. There is no charge and free transportation can be arranged if needed. There will also be intermediate classes offered and advanced sessions if required. The beginner’s sessions filled up immediately, but Ms. Cline believes that they may run some more of the popular courses.
The people enrolled in the computer classes are glad that they signed up. “When I heard that the library was offering free computer lessons, I signed up immediately,” said Joan Ralph. “I have been bumbling along on my own and am now learning how to do things properly as well as learning things that I didn’t know you could do on a computer. Our instructor is Wes Cline and he patiently answers our questions and shows us how to work through a problem. I am enjoying my computer so much more already and we still have many sessions to go.”
Penny George is also happy about signing up for the courses. “The library is not just about books,” she remarked, “it is part of the ongoing life process of learning. The classes being offered at the Mindemoya Public Library enable the participants to gain better use of their computers. Too often seniors, the target group of the program, get overwhelmed with the technology available today. The instructor is very knowledgeable and patient and works well with the variety of comprehension levels within the class. Space is limited but it would be worth your while to check this out.”
The grant the library received is not only about computer courses. Also included is the purchase of several new computers that are used during the class and then kept by the library as well as tablets, e-book readers, MP3 players and a printer.
The Mindemoya branch also offers talking books, videos, large print books, photocopying, lamination and faxing. For more information call 705-377-5334.
