Raptor Rescue Presentation, Wednesday, Oct 30, 3:30pm

Ruidoso Public Library hosts Hawks Aloft, Wednesday, October 30 at 3:30pm, for all ages.  Kids are out of school Wednesday afternoons; why not fill that time with this one-of-a-kind experience?  To help introduce your students (grades 3-8) to raptors before the talk, visit http://hawksaloft.org/education/for-educators/ for lessons and handouts on science, math, or geography topics related to the presentation.  Try a lesson before to build interest and another after Halloween to continue the connection.

Hawks Aloft is an Albuquerque non-profit focused on conservation, avian research, education, and mitigations.  What are mitigations?  When birds and businesses use the same space, the Endangered Species Act, among other laws, outlines how to protect the livelihoods of all parties.  Learn more about this, how to seek their assistance, and how to help Hawks Aloft during this presentation.  You may have seen Hawks Aloft at the Festival of the Cranes in Socorro in past years.  

Hawks Aloft recruits citizen scientists to help observe local raptor populations through HOOT (Hawks & Owls Observation Tracking Report) and raptor surveys.  Check with the experts after the presentation at Ruidoso Public Library.

The Lincoln County Bird Club generously sponsored this visit by Hawks Aloft.  HawksAloft.org lists their ambassadors online if you wish to preview them, though who will visit that day remains a surprise.  The avian ambassadors are rescued, non-releasable raptors, often rehabilitated here in New Mexico. 

Ask a librarian for assistance finding more information about raptors in the online Grzimek’s Animal Encyclopedia or bird identification books on the shelves.

Chautauqua visit: The Foot Runners of the Sierra Madre

Photo Credit: Diana Molina

Foot Runners of the Sierra Madre at Ruidoso Public Library

Thursday, October 10, at 4 pm, Ruidoso Public Library hosts Diana Molina presenting a Chautauqua of Raramuri culture.  Raramuri is their own name for themselves; you have have heard them called Tarahumara.  If long-distance running, barefoot, or minimalist running appeal to you, check out this program.  Ms Molina will explore several topics: ethnography, anthropology, scientific research, running, modernity impacting culture, and the specific Sierra Madre Occidental canyon environment of northern Mexico.  Molina will share her stunning photographs taken while living among the tribe for extended periods of time.

Diana Molina

These photographs were the focus of an exhibit in 2012 at the University of Texas-El Paso’s Centennial Museum, called Rarámuri, The Foot Runners of the Sierra Madre. The images range from Matachines and Semana Santa to agriculture and the racing tradition.  Molina hopes to raise awareness of balancing lifestyle and habitat as much as appreciate the “unique and exceptional Raramuri tribe.”

Diana Molina is a photographer and writer, and director of Juntos Art Association, which focuses on youth outreach and art collaboration.  Her photographs have graced the halls of The World Museum of Art in Rotterdam, The Art Museum of the Americas in Washington, DC, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. 

If you are a marathoner, swap training plans with our library director, Corey Bard.  Ruidoso Public Library has several books on distance running, training, and Native American cultures.  Please ask a librarian for assistance finding these and other, newer, online materials.  

Please check out Abby's introduction to computer stuff

Here at Ruidoso Public Library, we field many questions about computers.  Libraries are about information and connecting visitors with answers to questions, in any format or medium.  The staff are happy to help with your question, whether how to reply to an email or how to find a book.

Available in Ruidoso

If you are curious about computers, there's a new book in town:  Is This Thing On? by Abby Stokes.  If you wish to read a little sample of her style, I suggest this link for a sneak peak: http://abbyandme.com/posts/cracking-the-web-page-code

I would suggest that post for anyone.  From it, I learned phrases to use when teaching someone new to computers--phrases that are free of computer terms.  If you design webpages or have been confused by a webpage (What's a webpage?  Abby's book is for you), Abby's short post reveals tricks that might help you.

If you don't see the book on the shelf at 004.16 Sto, please ask at the front desk.  We can call you when it comes back in, or save a place for you if it becomes popular.

help your student write with these handy guides

Recently, a friend described her daughter's writing assignment at school.  This mom was at a loss for how to help with the research and writing, without taking over the assignment, from the student or the teacher.  Luckily, several options are available through Ruidoso Public Library.

If you have time to stop by, we have books (!) not just on content, but on the writing and research process, though these are often grade-level specific, especially for upper grades.

If you, like most parents I meet at the library, are down to the last weekend before you hear there is any paper at all, no fear.  While we do close at 4pm on Fridays and 2 pm on Saturdays (and Children's closes 30 minutes earlier), we have several resources available 24/7 via internet and your library card number.

Where to begin? Research, as I am learning at school myself, is a conversation. As students, we are late to the party and have to catch up by reading.  After some general reading, pick a few topics of interest and look for them.  Remember to try synonyms to find more references.  After more reading, begin to think about what you have read. Most important of all, ask questions about who wrote the information (and whose voice is not yet heard), question whether that information fits with what you know, and then look for information to answer your questions.

Depending on the teacher and assignment, writing about the whole process (and what you learned to try instead next time) is a great step in learning.  Even if it is the last weekend, there is time to look, read, rest and think, and repeat on Saturday and Sunday.

You are not alone, either.  If the links below fail, find the Magazines or Opposing Viewpoints links from the homepage's e-branch tab (and Children's page, too!).  Inside Junior Edition, Kids Edition, Student Edition, or Kids Infobits (depending on your student's age/level), look for Teacher Toolbox.  Luckily, they all have the same feature.  The Toolbox page offers several lessons and links to handouts you may print out.  For example:

How to Make a Concept Web
How to Write a Topic Sentence
Make an Outline
Cite a Source
Build an Argument
Write a Conclusion
How to Judge Information (encyclopedia v. magazine v. web)


 

If in Opposing Viewpoints, find Resources, in the black bar.  Scroll to the bottom for Students: Tools for Getting Started and Wrapping Up.

Preservation Week @ Your Library

The fourth annual Preservation Week (April 21-27, 2013) happens across the country at academic, public and special libraries. Activities include lectures, presentations, demonstrations and workshops, as well as three free Preservation Week-sponsored webinars.

New for Preservation Week 2013: a preservation advice column – Dear Donia.  What “Dear Abby” was to personal relationships, Dear Donia will be for all your preservation conundrums!  

How do I store my grandfather’s letters home from the front?  

What should I do to preserve my family color snapshots that are fading? 

How can I preserve my child’s baby quilt made by her great-grandmother?  

To launch the column on Friday, April 26  at 11 am EST, Donia Conn will host a one hour live chat  to help answer your preservation questions.  In the meantime, feel free to send Donia questions via the Preservation Week’s Facebook page.

If you are interested in quick tips to get started with your own heirlooms, start here. If videos are are in order, several are available here, from cockroach invasions to water damage.

Recognizing the critical role libraries play in preservation, the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) in partnership with the Library of Congress and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is proud to bring Preservation Week to libraries across the country. This national awareness campaign was developed to promote the understanding and importance of care for personal and community cultural heritage collections, such as books, documents, photographs, textiles, paintings, sculptures, furniture and decorative arts.  ALCTS is a division of the American Library Association.

Money Smart Week (R) 2013

This year, Ruidoso Public Library hosts Money Smart Week (R) April 2nd through 5th.  The slate of presenters has some of last year's most popular events and a few new faces, too.

Tuesday, April 2, from 10-11 am, Vera from First National Bank will speak on How to Apply for a Mortgage.  If that time does not work for you, or you have more questions, try a different perspective on Wednesday, April 3 at 4pm.

Later on Tuesday, April 2, from 11 am to noon, Debra Hendricks, of New Mexico’s Aging and Long Term Services Department, will present "Extra Help," a program to reduce your Medicare expenses. 

Wednesday, April 3, 10 am, begins with Credit Scores: what they are, what affects them, and how to improve them with Billy Jones of Ruidoso Credit Union. I saw this presentation last year and thought it could be useful for most anyone.  Then at 4pm Wednesday is the second mortgage application explanation by Lorri McKnight of City Bank New Mexico who will present a different perspective.

On Thursday, April 4, at noon, Rachel Weber of New Mexico’s Workforce Solutions offers Frugal Living Tips to Save Money.  Then at 4:30 pm, also on Thursday, April 4, Rutalee Todd-Jernigan of the Farm Bureau Financial Services will help you increase your financial smarts.  Come with any questions you have.

We wrap up Friday at noon with Ismael Camacho one of the state’s Assistant Attorneys General.  Mr Camacho presents “Don’t Get Burned” to help you explore the risks of identity theft and scams, including how to protect yourself.  

If you'd like to see the calendar, it's here.  For more information about Money Smart Week and the Federal Reserve, try this link.

Money Smart Week is an registered service mark of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

We hope to see you!  If your schedule does not allow a visit, comment below or email us ahead of time.  We can check into saving you a set of the handouts to pick up later.  If you think of a friend or acquaintance who might like a class, feel free to share this post's URL with them on Facebook, Twitter, or by email, too.

Finally in Universal Class: Hobbies, Writing, and Legal Issues

 
Images from Universal Class

So far I have been focusing on what the library's subscription to Universal Class has to offer businesses, students, employees, and individuals concerned about health.  This week is all about fun.  Perhaps your hobby is listed below. If not, no worries; dozens more are listed here.  Please read this post about how to sign up for Universal Class.

Dog  Training
Bird Watching

Card Games

Freshwater Fishing 101

Couponing 101

How to Ebay 101

Babysitting
Sewing 101

Pie Baking 101

Cake Decorating

Floral Arrangement 101

Candle Making

Genealogy 101

Feng Shui 101

Introduction to Gardening
Introduction to Music Appreciation
Journaling and Memoir Writing 101
Photography 101
Poetry Writing 101

Wedding Crafts and Projects
Wedding Planning 101

And this wraps up my series of  posts exploring the free-to-you classes available through your public library's homepage.  Thanks for sticking with me!

Also in Universal Class:Education (GED or Home schooling)

Remember Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday, March 10.  The clocks "spring" forward one hour.


  
Images from Universal Class

While the name Universal Class tries to express itself fully, today's blogpost digs into the school-age focused options, simply to clarify.  Some of the courses are designed to involve both parents and children or teachers and students, rather than ask kids to enroll and work online directly.  Some courses are targeted at older students or non-traditional students approaching the GED from many different levels of experience.

You are welcome to try any class; age is no object.  Whether your interest or need is for science, mathematics, grammar, history, or another language, I hope you find something useful.  This is not the complete list, by far; peruse other options here.

ABCs of Algebra
Algebra 101
Basic Math 101
ABCs of Geometry

ABCs of English Grammar
English Composition
Basic Research Skills
Essay Writing 101

ABCs of Physics
Biology 101
Astronomy 101
Chemistry 101

Geography 101
American Civil War 101
American Revolutionary War 101
American Government
American History Review
Ancient Civilizations 101
Economics 101
Economics 201

Computer Basics 101

ESL Basic Grammar
ESL Basic Writing Skills

First Grade Curriculum 101
Second Grade Curriculum 101
Third Grade Curriculum 101

GED Test Preparation

More in Universal Class: Health

Maybe you visited the Village's health fair last month?  The library had a table loaded with flyers and posters and bookmarks on the different ways the library can help you understand and explore health issues.  If you didn't, this blogpost is an excellent alternative because much of the same material is below.  As a library, we are not health experts and cannot advise.  We can connect you with the county health office [575-258-3252], the state's nursing hotline [ 1(877) 725-2552], or other reliable sources of information.  As with legal questions, please visit us at the library and let us know if you would like a little more privacy (such as the Archive Room) to ask your questions, or reach out to us through email.

Outside of the articles, nursing specific, and direct-from-the-government's National Institute of Health tutorials, videos, FAQs, and guides, the library provides you access to classes to explore health topics, too.  As mentioned in earlier posts, these classes are free to you, start whenever you are ready, and go as fast or slow as you need.  There may be videos to watch or text to read online (or print and keep for later reference).  The instructor may suggest other sites for further exploration and assignments to help you apply the new knowledge.

This is a list of the more health-focused courses among the 500 available.  Each is a link to open the course (you will need your library barcode number and your email to create an account in order to start).

Yoga 101

Weight Training 101

Weight Loss Management 101

Anti Aging Techniques

Lifetime Wellness

Meditation 101: Learn How to Meditate

Natural Skin Care

Nutrition 101

Therapeutic Bathing 101

Wellness Coaching

Reiki 1st and 2nd Degree

Emotional Healing

Energy Healing

Healing Affirmations 101

Homeopathy 101

Chakra Clearing

Depression Management

Aromatherapy 101

Stress Management 101

Do you run a business? Or think about it?

[Edit note: on January 30, 2013, I edited all the class links in the bottom list to open inside the Ruidoso Public Library's subscription so you can get the free access with your library card number now. My apologies.]

Ruidoso Public Library is full of resources specifically selected for a community like Ruidoso or Lincoln County, where new businesses, small business, home-based or online businesses are the heart of our economy.  Whether you are an employee, the manager, or an owner, the library has *Free* classes that you can take at your convenience.  The next several posts will explore different sets of courses, including health, homeschooling or GED preparation, New Age/Spiritual/Religious Studies, Writing, Law/Legal, and many different hobbies.  Over 500 courses are available, and I won't describe them all, but if something takes your fancy, feel free to stop by the library for assistance, if the links don't work, or to let us know about a subject that is missing.

Before I list courses, I will try to explain how this works.  The library subscribes to Universal Class so you may log in with your library card number, for free, anytime, day or night, any day of the week.  If you have not done much online, one of the first things to do is learn how to take an online class.  These courses have videos to watch and listen to, or just read the text articles/lectures.  Each section may take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how new the material is for you, and how many of the supplemental links you explore.  There are assignments, quizzes, and exams, which are graded.  At the end, there is a document you may print or email as proof of the time you spent.

What does this mean for you?  As an employee, it might help you feel more confident making phone calls or facing difficult customer situations.  As a manager, assigning a course might help you provide employee development or address a specific safety concern.  Maybe you are desperate for a pay raise, but need some strong evidence to prove how you are applying yourself in ways to help the company.  These courses require the self-discipline to apply yourself, but you can do all the segments at once, or spread out over days and weeks (up to six months).  Outside of your time, they are free.  And if you don't have the home computer/internet thing yet, you are welcome to use the public stations at the library.  This is a slow time of year and we can help you get started on the computers, though you do need an email address to create your Universal Class account.  If enough people comment below, or call the library, I can look into a class on creating your first email account, too.




For employees looking to improve their resumé or support a request for an increase in pay:
Interview Skills
Customer Service
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Place Safety
Waiter or Waitress Training
Telephone Skills and Quality Customer Service

For managers' skill sets:
Payroll Fundamentals
Marketing for Small Business
Employment Law Fundamentals
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Place Safety
Worker's Compensation
Understanding Business Administration 101

For business starters/owners:
Small Business Guide
Pet Sitting
Home Business Guide
Daycare
Start a Concierge Service

Of interest to all types:
Sexual Harrassment Compliance
Bookkeeping and Accounting for all
Accounts Payable Management
Accounts Receivable Management
Anger Management
Assertiveness Training
Confidence Building
Negotiation Skills
Dealing with Difficult People
Retail Business 101
Creating an Effective Sales Team

Flu shots, 2nd chance at e-audio download class, & Alaskan Bush Pilots

Wednesday, Oct 13, 8 am- 4pm flu shots, by the NM Dept of Health, are available at the Ruidoso Senior Center by Schoolhouse Park (on Sudderth by the Fire Station). Flu Clinics for the rest of the county are on


October 12, 2011 at these locations and times:

Carrizozo Senior Citizens Center
406 Central
Carrizozo, NM
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM


Capitan Schools Cummins Gym
154th Rd
Capitan, NM
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM


Hondo Valley Senior Center
10686 Hwy 380
Hondo, NM
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

NMDH has an FAQ  or call 1-866-681-5872 for their Nurse Hotline if you cannot make any of these clinics.

Flu IQ

         

Also Wednesday, @ 3pm @ Ruidoso Public Library, we offer another chance to look into our downloadable audiobook service.  If you have a laptop, MP3 player, or iPod, bring them with you and you'll be off'n'running!  If you don't yet, come anyway and meet people who have made the plunge.

Capt Mike in his charter plane

Finally, Friday @ 10 am, meet Capt. Mike Cory, a bush pilot from Alaska in the '70s and '80s.  He's sharing photos from the air and stories of the Cold War's Pacific Front.  His book, Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Whiteout Blues, is available for checkout in case you already have plans for Friday.

Meet UC--your chance to learn at your own pace

Meet Universal Class (24/7 anywhere there's internet)

Tomorrow or next Wednesday

Learn how to 

-take an online class (social networking)

-train your dog 

-balance bank accounts

-medical terminology

-homeschooling lessons

-cooking

-computer skills 

-spirituality

-classroom management

-GED preparation

 

and almost 500 other topics!

What's special about Universal Class this week is the two chances to learn about it yourself.  

If this is all new to you, please call the library today (Tuesday for this week's webinar) and we can have a station ready for you to watch from Ruidoso Public Library, or feel free to click on either link below to register (you will need an email and password to receive a URL unique to you).

Wed, Sep 14, 2011 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM EDT

Wed, Oct 12, 2011 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM EDT

Photos by: Charley Lhasa, VectorPortal, lejoe, 

Free Classes through Ruidoso Public Library

That's right: FREE
  by 

“I'm excited about Universal Class because it offers continuing education classes that are relevant for our whole community -- from learning more about a hobby, to improving job skills, to increasing knowledge. Universal Class will enrich our patron's lives,” said Beverly McFarland, Library Directoer at Ruidoso Public Library. “At a time when budgets are tight, this service is a way that we can offer hundreds of continuing education opportunities to our customers. In the first week, I was able to share the relevance of Universal Class courses at existing programs for homeschoolers, community businesses, and genealogists.”

Available through Ruidoso Public Library, Universal Class offers learners a unique online education experience. With real instructors guiding the learning, students enjoy a measurable learning experience that helps them master and document their educational goals.  Other features include:

 Engaging video-based lessons

 Collaborative learning environment

 Graded lesson tests

 Certificates of achievement

 Continuing Education Units for selected courses

With a growing catalog of over 540 courses, Universal Class is committed to providing affordable and high quality online training.  

Universal Class offers courses in Exercise and Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Music, Home and Garden Care, Cooking, Computers and Technology, Health and Medicine, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law and Legal, Parenting and Family, Pet and Animal Care, and more.

About Universal Class: Universal Class, Inc. [also known as UniversalClass™ or UniversalClass.com™] is an education technology company that provides online services to schools, corporations, organizations, educators, and students throughout the world. It aims to advance intellectual exchange in teaching, research, and service with its technology and belief that education should be affordable to all people of all cultures. 

Look for it under the e-Branch tab on our homepage.

Meet your Laptop

Are you confounded by your laptop?  

Why does it not do the things your desktop computer does?  

Bring yours to Ruidoso Public Library Thursday, February 10^th, at 10am for “Navigate your Laptop.”  

Jennifer Stubbs will discuss keyboard shortcuts, wireless security measures, and devices to ease typing and mousing.  

Thinking of buying a laptop?  Maybe another attendee will care to share experiences.  

This is not a basics of computing class.  

Please call 258-3704 to reserve a space.