Join Dr Cynthia Orozco this afternoon at 4pm for a history lesson on Ranching in Lincoln County. This is part of an 8-piece series of programs throughout the county this Fall.
Ruidoso Public Library will be closed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for Thanksgiving, November 28-30. We will re-open Monday, December 2, at 9 am.
Remember Butterball has answers for any food emergencies Thursday. Visit http://www.butterball.com/media/turkey-talk-line. Or call 1-800-Butterball (800-288-8372). You may also need to visit Reader's Digest's collection of turkey bloopers to gain a sense of perspective, too.
Better yet, pre-plan your feast with these tips (what to buy, how to thaw, how to brine, etc).
My dad was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years; please help firefighters spend their holidays at home with family by watching this William Shatner narrated video by State Farm or reading these tips on how to deep fry your turkey. If the video does not load, the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETBD0EqQGoU. The Tips are:
Safe Turkey Frying Tips
1: Avoid oil spillover--don't overfill the pot.
2: Turn off flame when lowering the turkey into oil.
3: Fry outside, away from the house.
4: Properly thaw the turkey before frying.
5: Keep a grease-fire-approved extinguisher nearby. (Here's an explanation of a class K extinguisher.)
You will also need to know how to use the extinguisher: read pages 3 and 6 here: http://emilms.fema.gov/IS909/assets/09_PuttingOutFires.pdf
Showing posts with label reference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reference. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Cookbook varieties
Dia de los Muertos offers many cultural staples to cook, from sugar skulls to pan de muerto. Veterans Day may not have touchstone cuisine yet, but library shelves offer many colorful, detailed windows on history's events. Thanksgiving plans are a piece of pie with entertainment books, cookbooks, and history, too.
Our shelves offer books for cooking with children, creating science experiments, or step-by-step pictures for the complete kitchen novice.
With ski season around the corner, The Ski House Cookbook caught my eye.
Cookbooks cover medical conditions, too. If you know someone coping with chemotherapy, one book focuses on how to appeal to a waning appetite and unpredictable stomach with food's texture, color, or taste. Vegetarianism, diabetes, and allergies are topics of other cookbooks on the shelf.
P.S.: Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. Luckily the clocks "Fall" back an hour this time, so sleep in or enjoy an extra hour of your favorite hobby.
P.P.S: Come early Wednesday for the Hawks Aloft presentation as seating may be at a premium. If you can drop in today or tomorrow, sign up in advance with Sharon at the front desk.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Map your favorite book!
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| Image from Lucius Beebe Memorial Library on flickr |
Have you read a book and wondered what the location really looked like? In my case, I did not read Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee mysteries until after I had lived south of Gallup and Grants for several months and moved away from the state for a couple of years. Yet I found having the personal knowledge of the towns, distances, and local quirks contributed depth to my appreciation of the novels.
In my mother's case, when she read Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch books, she wondered how many places were based on a real place. As luck would have it, another fan of the books shared that thought and made a Google map to answer.
If connecting a story to real places catches your fancy, you might also be interested in the Placing Literature project here: http://placingliterature.wordpress.com/page/2/ . This project focuses on books set in Duluth, New Haven, and San Francisco (see their site for the reading list).
If you are interested in following walks through well-known towns and titles, Ruidoso Public Library has three: one for Santa Fe, another for Dickensian London, and one on Hemingway's Paris.
Armchair travel connects exotic locales and literature without leaving the comfort of home (or the public computers at the library!). I found a Google map of St. Petersburg, Russia, including photos of locations from Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment (available online to read or listen to). Comment below, email the library, or call us if you would like to find a map connecting a specific author, book, or city through literature.
Monday, August 19, 2013
When you've been hacked
A few weeks ago, I learned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an informative website. They offer a blog of resources for dealing with many problems:
Scams
Spam
robo-calls
and many more issues.
These range from:
Privacy and Identity
Mortgages
Credit
Jobs
Health
Do Not Call List
Free Credit Reports
Just this week, I read about steps to take to minimize your (or my!) risk of losing your email, bank, or social network accounts to a hacker. They also covered steps to take to help recover your identity afterwards, in the event your (or my!) account is hacked. The details are here:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0376-hacked-email
I will continue to share links as I happen upon them. Please feel free to reach out to Ruidoso Public Library if you know of one that taught you something.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Sample these titles for free on your computer, phone, or e-reader
Major publishers want to whet your reading appetite. Check out this link for excerpts and first chapters of new books. These titles will receive a lot of advertising and media-hype hoping to catch your eye. If you have the time, let us know in the comments whether (after reading several) they deserve attention on par with the media campaigns.
A similar title from last year is available if the titles or authors catch your eye and/or jog your memory for last year's blockbuster books.
If the image above does not load, then try looking for Buzz Books 2013 at your favorite online ebook store (Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, iBookstore, Kobo, Sony, Google Play, Powell's, etc.). The ISBN is 9780985491086.
Library staff are not able to read, review, or even hear about every new book available. (This article offers a quick explanation of just how many books are released every year.) Marie adds over 3,000 titles each year to Ruidoso Public Library's shelves. When publishers release over 300,000 new books (not counting self-published or anniversary releases), it is easy to see how 1% looks lovely on our shelves, but is only a single drop in a very large bucket. We welcome your insight and input on which titles to watch.
A similar title from last year is available if the titles or authors catch your eye and/or jog your memory for last year's blockbuster books.
If the image above does not load, then try looking for Buzz Books 2013 at your favorite online ebook store (Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, iBookstore, Kobo, Sony, Google Play, Powell's, etc.). The ISBN is 9780985491086.
Library staff are not able to read, review, or even hear about every new book available. (This article offers a quick explanation of just how many books are released every year.) Marie adds over 3,000 titles each year to Ruidoso Public Library's shelves. When publishers release over 300,000 new books (not counting self-published or anniversary releases), it is easy to see how 1% looks lovely on our shelves, but is only a single drop in a very large bucket. We welcome your insight and input on which titles to watch.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Christian Fiction sampler from New York Public Library
Many of my ideas for posts arise from other blogs and articles in the library "blogosphere," such as today's. A librarian from New York's Public Library wrote about how to find one popular genre of stories. I have edited the article and links to reflect the Ruidoso Public Library's collection.
If you have questions about a specific genre or format (such as audio or graphic novels) please ask in the comments below, by email, or phone.
You can say it started in 1678 with the publication of John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress. Then along came Hall Caine'sThe Christian (1897) and C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia in the 1950s. Fast forward to the 21st century, major news magazines such as Time were talking about the Left Behind series. Yes, my interest was piqued when I read a 2002 Time magazine cover article titled "Apocalypse Now"about the popularity of the series. I checked them out of the library and read each one in order. I was intrigued and fascinated.
Hi
Frank Peretti - This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Monster, and The Visitation
William P. Young - The Shack, Crossroads
If you have questions about a specific genre or format (such as audio or graphic novels) please ask in the comments below, by email, or phone.
God in the Stacks: The Scoop on Christian Fiction
You can say it started in 1678 with the publication of John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress. Then along came Hall Caine'sThe Christian (1897) and C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia in the 1950s. Fast forward to the 21st century, major news magazines such as Time were talking about the Left Behind series. Yes, my interest was piqued when I read a 2002 Time magazine cover article titled "Apocalypse Now"about the popularity of the series. I checked them out of the library and read each one in order. I was intrigued and fascinated.
I decided to give a little more attention to the genre. My interest intensified over the last few years as I observed the genre really taking off and expanding into many sub-genres. I found various list of authors online and decided I would read at least one book by every author in the genre. It was an ambitious feat and I faced the challenge of new authors being published regularly and also, reading every book published by an author I particularly like.
I also discovered many authors not mentioned on the Internet by doing a keyword search in the catalog on "Christian fiction." ...[F]ound the king of legal thrillers — Robert Whitlow. We have Jimmy in large print.
Christian Fiction can be defined as follows, according to a Library Journal Book Buzz on Christian Fiction (2009):
"...Most readers would agree that there is a core of biblically-based attitudes, values, and actions, and likely there would be very little, if any, profanity, sex or violence. Generally, Christian fiction has religious themes infused into a regular genre story. ... Christian fiction gives readers characters and situations that demonstrate the growth of faith, depth and breadth of moral responsibility, the possibility of conversion and redemption, and examples of Christian living for men and women of all ages, races and cultures."
Christian Fiction are books written by primarily Christian authors with one or more of the following characteristics: an overarching Christian theme, embracing Christian values and behavior, characters who have faith in God. The Christy Awards and later on the Carol Awards were established to recognize best fiction published in the genre. Pilgrim Progress is an allegorical work of the journey of a Christian from this world to heaven. In the Chronicles of Narnia, Jesus is Aslan the Lion, the ever present guide. The Left Behind series is a fictional series based on Biblical prophecy and historical facts about events regarding the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus as King.
If you have read and enjoyed faith based fiction, here are some others you may enjoy. You can borrow them from the Ruidoso Public Library with a library card. If you are a digital reader, you can download and read library e-books for free. I have enjoyed many of them on my tablet while waiting for appointments.
Amish Fiction
Beverly Lewis - The Courtship of Nellie Fisher: The Longing, The Parting, The Forbidden
Mary Ellis - Abigail's New Hope
Mary Ellis - Abigail's New Hope
Fiction
Jonathan Cahn - The Harbinger
Karen Kingsbury - The Bailey Flanigan Series: Leaving, Longing, Loving
Karen Kingsbury - The Bailey Flanigan Series: Leaving, Longing, Loving
Hi
storical Fiction
Lynn Austin - Song of Redemption
Kathleen Morgan - A Love Forbidden
Janette Oke - Dana's Valley
Tracie Peterson - Hope Rekindled
Francine Rivers - A Voice in the Wind
Kathleen Morgan - A Love Forbidden
Janette Oke - Dana's Valley
Tracie Peterson - Hope Rekindled
Francine Rivers - A Voice in the Wind
Legal Thriller
Murder/Mystery/Crime
Romance/Romantic Suspense
Supernatural/Science Fiction
Frank Peretti - This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Monster, and The Visitation
William P. Young - The Shack, Crossroads
Monday, July 1, 2013
Good Day for a Picnic, and other ideas to enjoy the summer
Summer is a great time to connect with your kids and/or the outdoors. Try these titles to find ideas for foods to pack or how to keep the experience fun. Enjoy the forest before it closes, or just practice in your backyard.
Good Day for a Picnic Simple Food that Travels Well
Hungry Monkey: A Food-loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater
Camping with Kids
Best Hikes with Children in New Mexico
For more adventurous hikers:
Trail guide Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear, Sacramento & Guadalupe Ranger Districts by John W. Stockert ; In cooperation with the staff at Lincoln National Forest.
If it is too hot to hike, these books provide points with purpose for a local road trip.
Travel guidebooks of local historical markers
This one was a staple during my childhood here. It explains the colors, sediments, and geo-history seen staring out the car window.
Roadside Geology of NM
Did I miss one? Let me know, by email or comment below, if you recommend another library book for picnicking or local tour information. Thanks in advance!
Good Day for a Picnic Simple Food that Travels Well
Hungry Monkey: A Food-loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater
Camping with Kids
Best Hikes with Children in New Mexico
For more adventurous hikers:
Trail guide Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear, Sacramento & Guadalupe Ranger Districts by John W. Stockert ; In cooperation with the staff at Lincoln National Forest.
If it is too hot to hike, these books provide points with purpose for a local road trip.
Travel guidebooks of local historical markers
This one was a staple during my childhood here. It explains the colors, sediments, and geo-history seen staring out the car window.
Roadside Geology of NM
Did I miss one? Let me know, by email or comment below, if you recommend another library book for picnicking or local tour information. Thanks in advance!
Monday, June 10, 2013
What's a Level 1 Restriction in the forest?
When I read about the fire restrictions in the newspaper, I wondered: "What do all the fire restriction levels mean?"
Ruidoso can be a confusing place because some of the trees and hillside are on US Forest Service land, some inside the Village, some bordering areas are tribal, and much of the rest is county or state land. The sites listed below are an effort to clarify what you may (not) do depending on which part of the forest you are in, and how the restrictions compare to other levels (number or issuing agency).
http://publiclands.org/pdf/FireRestrictionDefinitions.pdf
Nice, clear documents listing each level of restriction separately.
http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/pressreleases/NM.php
Latest updates on public lands announcements in the state.
Ruidoso's specifically: http://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/fire_dept/Restrictions.html
Find out what today's restrictions are. Scroll to the bottom for links to details of what each means.
These next two are pulled up from last year to ensure your bookmarks are current
http://nmfireinfo.com/
Lists all the current fires in the state and updates on progress
http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php
Lists each public land (forest, park, etc) with its current restrictions, then, further down, lists the definitions of each type of fire restriction.
Ruidoso can be a confusing place because some of the trees and hillside are on US Forest Service land, some inside the Village, some bordering areas are tribal, and much of the rest is county or state land. The sites listed below are an effort to clarify what you may (not) do depending on which part of the forest you are in, and how the restrictions compare to other levels (number or issuing agency).
http://publiclands.org/pdf/FireRestrictionDefinitions.pdf
Nice, clear documents listing each level of restriction separately.
http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/pressreleases/NM.php
Latest updates on public lands announcements in the state.
Ruidoso's specifically: http://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/fire_dept/Restrictions.html
Find out what today's restrictions are. Scroll to the bottom for links to details of what each means.
These next two are pulled up from last year to ensure your bookmarks are current
http://nmfireinfo.com/
Lists all the current fires in the state and updates on progress
http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php
Lists each public land (forest, park, etc) with its current restrictions, then, further down, lists the definitions of each type of fire restriction.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Luggage-friendly travel guides at the library (or online if you are already on the road)
The titles above are available on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Download before you leave the library or anywhere on the road with your card number.
Now you may discretely plan your day or route without waving a guidebook around like a white flag.
You may download individual pages or sections or the entire book. You may return to stream (or surf) the material, depending on your internet access.
Think of all the extra space you might find in your suitcase.
P.S. Ruidoso Public Library will not open Monday for Memorial Day. We are open Saturday, May 25th and Tuesday, May 28th. Drop in early to stock up!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Languages: Now available at Ruidoso Public Library
Ruidoso Public Library’s latest offering is Mango Languages. This is a fun, flash-card way to learn languages. The graphics are flashy and sharp. There are men and women speaking each word, phrase, or sentence. You can repeat each card, lesson, or section as often as you wish.
These have been a hot topic at the library this winter and spring. Biblical Hebrew is popular with theology students. Kids can learn how fun languages a”RRRRR”e in the Pirate section. Try out a section before your next trip. You may learn the basics (hello, goodbye, thank you) or jump to sections on restaurants or directions.
Mango Languages are on the library’s webpage. Look for the bright green banner (seen above). A duplicate link is available from the e-branch tab. Use your library card number to log in from home or your smart phone or tablet.
This is the complete listing of languages on offer:
Arabic (Egyptian, Levantine, or MSA)
Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin)
French or French (Canadian)
Greek (modern, Ancient, or Koine)
Hebrew or Biblical Hebrew
Spanish (Latin America or Spain)
German
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dari
Dutch
Farsi (Persian)
Finnish
Haitian Creole
Hawaiian
Hindi
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latin
Norwegian
Pashto
Pirate
Polish
Portuguese (Brazil)
Romanian
Russian
Slovak
Swahili
Swedish
Tagalog
Tamil
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Vietnamese
English as a Foreign Language is available for speakers of:
Spanish
Russian
French
German
Arabic
Polish
Italian
Greek
Brazilian Portuguese
Vietnamese
Turkish
Korean
Cantonese
Mandarin
Japanese
Jennifer wants you to know: "If you are an advanced speaker, I recommend the lessons on learning English. I spent a happy hour digging through the meaty sentences explaining to Russians how Americans expect small talk about the weather. I may try the Ancient Greek sometime—I have a poster from Homer’s Odyssey I hope to read."
Mango Languages are very convenient. You are not stuck in front of a computer. Apple and Android apps are available. Language, like math, benefits most from doing a little bit every day. Continue a lesson during lunch, review phrases while waiting in line, or use it as a trivia game while you await your order at restaurant. This video demonstrates:
Monday, April 1, 2013
Money Smart Week (R) 2013
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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.
Monday, March 25, 2013
DIY AR finder (RSVP for April touch screen class)
A few weeks ago, the ladies in Children's mentioned how many parents ask for reading suggestions for their children, but also want to know the Accelerated Reading (AR) score and level. Cheryl and Kari Dawn are happy to help, but often very busy. Luckily, another librarian created a 3 minute video explaining the process. If you have not visited the children's webpage lately, the links are there to the video, the ARbookfinder website, and the blog post where I learned about it.
The AR Bookfinder is not linked to Ruidoso Public Library's catalog of books available on the shelf. Are you a coder interested in developing an API (code or program) to link them? Currently, anyone is welcome to look up the book or level you are interested in the bookfinder, then take the title to the library's catalog to see if it is available. Alternately, find many books that catch your eye at the library, then look each up at the bookfinder website.
Ideally, AR helps motivate reluctantly learners to adopt a lifelong habit of reading. When this is not the case, there are many more avenues to try. Audiobooks let active kids hear and learn new vocabulary in context and keep up with their peers' reading level, or multitask homework with chore time, athletic events travel, or just a chance to run around. Disclaimer: don't cross the street without removing headphones or earbuds, to listen for cross traffic. Visual learners may revel in graphic novels, such as illustrated classics or a biography of Steve Jobs.
Summer Reading Programs, such as Cheryl's and Kari Dawn's, are a great way to keep up the reading habit between school years. Students retain more information year-on-year and start learning new material sooner each fall when they participate in Summer Reading Programs. Keep an eye on the Children's and Teens' pages on our website for details on when and how to sign up, a calendar of events, and this year's grand prizes. Last year, one reader won an e-reader, several won bicycles, and even a hefty gift certificate.
P.S. April 16th, at 10 am, Robert Walshe and Jennifer Stubbs will have a beginners' orientation for touch-screen devices. RSVP by April 9th at 575-258-3704 or by email, or even comment below, with the type and size of device you have. It's on our calendar, too. Apples, Androids, Windows 8, smartphones, tablets, and mediaplayers (such as iPod touch or Galaxy) are all welcome.
The AR Bookfinder is not linked to Ruidoso Public Library's catalog of books available on the shelf. Are you a coder interested in developing an API (code or program) to link them? Currently, anyone is welcome to look up the book or level you are interested in the bookfinder, then take the title to the library's catalog to see if it is available. Alternately, find many books that catch your eye at the library, then look each up at the bookfinder website.
Ideally, AR helps motivate reluctantly learners to adopt a lifelong habit of reading. When this is not the case, there are many more avenues to try. Audiobooks let active kids hear and learn new vocabulary in context and keep up with their peers' reading level, or multitask homework with chore time, athletic events travel, or just a chance to run around. Disclaimer: don't cross the street without removing headphones or earbuds, to listen for cross traffic. Visual learners may revel in graphic novels, such as illustrated classics or a biography of Steve Jobs.
Summer Reading Programs, such as Cheryl's and Kari Dawn's, are a great way to keep up the reading habit between school years. Students retain more information year-on-year and start learning new material sooner each fall when they participate in Summer Reading Programs. Keep an eye on the Children's and Teens' pages on our website for details on when and how to sign up, a calendar of events, and this year's grand prizes. Last year, one reader won an e-reader, several won bicycles, and even a hefty gift certificate.
P.S. April 16th, at 10 am, Robert Walshe and Jennifer Stubbs will have a beginners' orientation for touch-screen devices. RSVP by April 9th at 575-258-3704 or by email, or even comment below, with the type and size of device you have. It's on our calendar, too. Apples, Androids, Windows 8, smartphones, tablets, and mediaplayers (such as iPod touch or Galaxy) are all welcome.
Monday, March 4, 2013
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
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
Monday, February 18, 2013
Did you know this blog is mobile?
I didn't. Until I was poking around in the settings.
Voila! Here's the QR code to scan with your tablet or smart phone, if you'd like to catch up with these fun notes while waiting in line or just killing time.
The first step is to open this blog on your smartphone or tablet: http://ruidosopubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ Or, if you have already bookmarked the library's homepage on your device, select the "Library News" tab. Your device will automatically know to ask for the mobile version.
What's the point? I find I do less work on my mobile device, but love to read, especially blogs and Facebook. Sadly, I am too lazy to type (reply or interact) on my mobile, when I am far more interactive on a laptop or desktop. I have big hands; maybe I should explore more voice controls?
What does the blog look like on mobile?
What is your experience with mobile technology? Do you see it around you yet? Are you up to three or more mobile devices? What could the library do to help you? (These questions might also show up in the little quiz widget at the bottom of the right-hand column in the desktop view.)
-introductory training sessions?
---ebooks on your smartphone?
---just how to use it at all?
-text message (SMS on cell phone) reminders when books are due?
I cannot guarantee we can host classes on every smartphone, but there are many similarities. And I am not sure about the text message notifications, since we have so many visitors and different phone systems. *But* if we hear a lot of interest for it, then I will have a reason to look into it. If you are interested in a class on how-to use your smart phone or tablet, please tell me (comment below or email) the type of phone you have (Apple, Android) or if you prefer tablet (and which brand).
P.S.: The Children's Department is looking for small plastic lids. They hope to include home-made car crafts this summer and need tires. Ideally the sturdy, similarly sized milk jug and juice lids, but not the flimsier, larger lids on butter tubs or mayonnaise jars.
Voila! Here's the QR code to scan with your tablet or smart phone, if you'd like to catch up with these fun notes while waiting in line or just killing time.
The first step is to open this blog on your smartphone or tablet: http://ruidosopubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ Or, if you have already bookmarked the library's homepage on your device, select the "Library News" tab. Your device will automatically know to ask for the mobile version.
What's the point? I find I do less work on my mobile device, but love to read, especially blogs and Facebook. Sadly, I am too lazy to type (reply or interact) on my mobile, when I am far more interactive on a laptop or desktop. I have big hands; maybe I should explore more voice controls?
What does the blog look like on mobile?
 |
| mobile version of blog |
What is your experience with mobile technology? Do you see it around you yet? Are you up to three or more mobile devices? What could the library do to help you? (These questions might also show up in the little quiz widget at the bottom of the right-hand column in the desktop view.)
-introductory training sessions?
---ebooks on your smartphone?
---just how to use it at all?
-text message (SMS on cell phone) reminders when books are due?
I cannot guarantee we can host classes on every smartphone, but there are many similarities. And I am not sure about the text message notifications, since we have so many visitors and different phone systems. *But* if we hear a lot of interest for it, then I will have a reason to look into it. If you are interested in a class on how-to use your smart phone or tablet, please tell me (comment below or email) the type of phone you have (Apple, Android) or if you prefer tablet (and which brand).
P.S.: The Children's Department is looking for small plastic lids. They hope to include home-made car crafts this summer and need tires. Ideally the sturdy, similarly sized milk jug and juice lids, but not the flimsier, larger lids on butter tubs or mayonnaise jars.
Monday, February 11, 2013
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).
Reiki 1st and 2nd Degree
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).
Monday, January 21, 2013
Do you ask the BIG questions? Plus some timely announcements at the bottom
[Edit note: class links below are now correct and lead to Ruidoso Public Library's subscription so you may take the classes on us.]
If you are interested in exploring questions of a religious or philosophical nature, the library is a great place to start. Beyond the books or DVDs we can loan you, we have several self-paced online courses, free for you to fit into your schedule, 24/7. Whether your preference is New Age or Biblical, experiential or logical, there's at least one course that might interest you.
As with the business courses, there is an entry class on how to take online courses for novices which teaches you about email, adding an attachment, commenting on another's post, etc. You may have several friends to share with and might want to request the conference room at the library to watch, learn, and discuss the materials together. If so, please email, call, or stop in at your convenience; we'd love to hear from you. Sharon and Jennifer have tried some of these online classes, if you want to talk about specific features of the process or material.
Here's the long list of possible topics:
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| © Nevit Dilmen [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL ], via Wikimedia Commons |
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| By Charles Dana Gibson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
![Charles Dana Gibson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eternal-question.gif){kind=link}
As with the business courses, there is an entry class on how to take online courses for novices which teaches you about email, adding an attachment, commenting on another's post, etc. You may have several friends to share with and might want to request the conference room at the library to watch, learn, and discuss the materials together. If so, please email, call, or stop in at your convenience; we'd love to hear from you. Sharon and Jennifer have tried some of these online classes, if you want to talk about specific features of the process or material.
Here's the long list of possible topics:
P.S. If you heard about the JAVA update that led to a security problem January 12, some updates are available. For directions on how to uninstall older versions of JAVA and where to install the current patch (JAVA 7 update 11)
P.P.S. If you missed the movie, Forks Over Knives, last Tuesday, you can still catch the flick (online at hulu for free or by checking out the DVD at the library) and read some analysis of the science here.
P.P.S. The library is closed today, Monday, January 21. We will open tomorrow at 9 am.
P.P.S. If you missed the movie, Forks Over Knives, last Tuesday, you can still catch the flick (online at hulu for free or by checking out the DVD at the library) and read some analysis of the science here.
P.P.S. The library is closed today, Monday, January 21. We will open tomorrow at 9 am.
Monday, January 14, 2013
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
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.
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
Monday, November 26, 2012
What else is hiding in the home page?
About Us, Contact Us, and e-Branch
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| The bar of tabs on the homepage |
Finally, to wrap up this series of posts on the library's homepage links: the e-Branch tab. Big libraries are developing a whole branch in the electronic realm (like the neighborhood branch libraries in a system, but available in any location). This is our first attempt at consolidating the electronic services Ruidoso Public Library offers.
Moving the mouse over the e-Branch tab displays a menu list of resources:
Universal Class
Overdrive
Magazines and Chilton's Auto
Genealogy
NM Newspapers
Opposing Viewpoints
My Account
Clicking on the tab opens a new page displaying "widgets" leading to several of these destinations. A widget works like a button--clicking on it opens that item. Some request you enter your library card number before opening the site; others may request that information in order to check out materials.
Universal Class offers 500 certified continuing education courses--start it when you are ready (today if you like) and take up to six months to complete the lessons (graded by a professor). Work with other students online or alone.
Overdrive provides ebooks and audiobooks to download on your computer, Kindle, nook, iPad, ipod, smartphone or mp3 player (among other devices). Like library books, they are free to check out for a week or two.
Magazines and Chilton's Auto connects you with hundreds, if not thousands, of magazines, journals, and encyclopedia. While the library is not open 24/7, these resources are, so check here first when you have to research a paper or need to fix your car.
Genealogy opens Heritage Quest, one of the sites for looking up your family tree from home.
NM Newspapers connects you with the Albuquerque Journal, the Las Cruces Sun-News, and the Roswell Daily Record. It is not as easy to browse as the print copy, but if you have a title or page number, you can find most of the paper's articles that day or since 1995 (ABQJ), 2002 (Roswell), and 2004 (Sun-News). Twenty-two magazines are also available, digitally, such as Field & Stream, Foreign Affairs, Slate, or Parenting.
My Account allows you to log into your library account and renew your current loans or request a turn with a popular title. To set your PIN, please visit us in person. This is the same PIN used to access Overdrive ebooks.
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