Check It Out!

     Canton Public Library’s database offerings have been expanded and enhanced by the addition of Universal Class, which offers over 500 online continuing education courses.  The database, which is a product of Recorded Books,  is designed for adults and teens.

     The database is available both in the library and, through remote access, on patrons’ home computers via the Internet.  Remote access, of course, allows patrons to use the database 24/7.  The program features real instructors and allows users to connect with other students.  Continuing Education Units are offered on selected courses.
 
     Among the subjects offered are computer training, personal finance, GED training, pet and animal care, health services training, music and painting.  Courses include digital photography, life coaching, Microsoft Publisher 2007, MS Word 2007, time management, wedding planning, writing basics 101, dealing with difficult people, anatomy and physiology, cell and molecular biology, Excel 2007, to name just a few of the many offerings.

     For the course listings and availability details, contact Reference Librarian Beth Van Ness.  Canton Public Library is at 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  Library hours are Monday-Thursday 10:00-8:00, Friday 10:00-5:00 and, beginning September 8, Saturday 10:00-5:00.  For information:  (860) 693-5800 or www.cantonpubliclibrary.org

Among the resources available at Canton Public Library are two information databases that may be of particular interest to patrons, one of them a recent addition—an expanded version of the historical Hartford Courant— and one an especially timely and valuable addition—TheLearningExpressLibrary.
   
The LearningExpressLibrary offers a wide range of practice tests, including such official exams as ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, as well as tests for firefighter, police officer, paramedic, EMT Basic, U.S. citizenship, postal worker, cosmetology, real estate agent and broker.  In addition, there are practice tests for those who simply want to improve their reading, writing, math, or grammar skills.
   
“Learning Express truly offers something for everyone,” according to Reference Librarian Beth Van Ness.  “Whether you are a new immigrant to the country, a young student preparing a book report, a young parent needing homeschooling material , a retiree looking to reenter the job market, or a teenager
contemplating a future career, there is a test or skills database that would benefit you.”

The LearningExpressLibrary, an electronic resource which is available both in the library and at home to Canton patrons, will ease the preparation process and, no doubt, allay some test-taking anxiety by providing practice.  Within the library, Canton patrons will be able to access the LearningExpressLibrary on the library’s computers or on their own laptops using the library’s wireless access to the Internet.  Either in the library or at home, patrons will need to enter their Canton Public Library card number.

The LearningExpressLibrary is a completely interactive and comprehensive website that features more than 300 online practice tests and courses for students and adults of all ages.  Today, LearningExpress is the preeminent online provider of test preparation, basic skills, and career guidance materials, serving 3,000 libraries and 80 million people nationwide.

All LearningExpress tests and courses offer test takers immediate scoring and detailed explanations of answers to all questions.  Test results also indicate areas in which additional practice might improve scores and include recommendations for free online tutorial courses.

A recent addition to the collection of databases available to Canton Public Library patrons is an expanded version of the historical Hartford Courant.  Not only do patrons have access to the original historical Hartford Courant, covering the years 1764-1922, but the expanded version extends the coverage to the years 1923-1984.  Said Van Ness, “Usually someone needs a small bit of information like an obituary, but this small bit is of vast importance to the patron searching for it.”

The library’s growing database collection is being funded by gifts from the Friends of the Canton Public Library.  If you haven’t already applied for a free Canton Public Library card, now, more than ever, is the time to do so.  Canton Public Library is at 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  For information:  (860) 693-5800 or www.cantonpubliclibrary.org