July 2022 -- Computer & Technology News
TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

PPL regularly offers varied free computer and technology training classes at locations around the state. Whether for personal use or small business application, these classes are an opportunity for you to get savvy with the latest web technologies and tools.
 
Registration is required! To register online or for more information, visit Digital Literacy. For more information, contact Lina at lbravo@provlib.org and (401) 660-3344 call/text. 

Some of our classes and tech services are available virtually, others are back in person. Choose what works best for you!
Ongoing & Upcoming Programs...
Digital Navigation Help By Appointment!

You can get one-on-one help using the computer and mobile apps, to develop basic digital skills, search for information and complete applications online, and get referrals to community services and programs! We also offer learning support in some locations; career readiness (resume writing and job search), English language, reading & math tutoring, and U.S. Citizenship preparation.

Wednesdays, 3 - 7 pm

Book an appointment: https://bit.ly/digitalgoal
Check out these in-person technology classes:

  • Email Basics
  • Wednesdays, 10 am - 12 pm, 8/31 to 9/21, at Providence Public Library
  • Thursdays, 4 - 6 pm, 9/1 to 9/22, at Pawtucket Public Library
  • Internet Basics
  •  Wednesdays, 6 - 8 pm, 8/31 to 9/21, at Pawtucket Public Library (Instruction in English)
  • Thursdays, 1 - 3 pm, 9/1 to 9/22, at the American Job Center at 1 Reservoir Ave., Providence (Instruction in Spanish)
  • Microsoft Word Basics
  • Tuesdays, 1 - 3 pm, 8/30 to 9/20, at the American Job Center, 1 Reservoir Ave, Providence
  • Tuesdays, 6 - 8 pm, 8/30 to 9/20, at Pawtucket Public Library
  • Microsoft Excel Basics
  • Tuesdays, 10 am - 12 pm, 8/30 to 9/20, at the American Job Center,1 Reservoir Ave., Providence
  • Wednesdays, 4 - 6 pm, 8/31 to 9/21, at Pawtucket Public Library
  • Thursdays, 6 - 8 pm, 9/1 to 9/22, at Pawtucket Public Library
  • Basic Skills; Google Apps and Chromebook (Instruction in English)
  • Tuesdays, 4 - 6 pm, 8/30 to 9/20, at Pawtucket Public Library
  • Wednesdays, 1 - 3 pm, 8/31 to 9/21, at Providence Public Library
  • Saturdays, 4 - 5:30 pm, 9/3 to 9/24, at Mt. Pleasant Library, Providence
  • Basic Skills; Google Apps and Chromebook (Instruction in Spanish)
  • Tuesdays, 9 - 11 am, 8/30 to 9/20, at RIC Workforce Development Hub, 934 Dexter St., Central Falls
  • Tuesdays, 11 am - 1pm, 8/30 to 9/20, at RIC Workforce Development Hub, 934 Dexter St., Central Falls
  • Thursdays, 10 am - 12 pm, 9/1 to 9/22, at the American Job Center, 1 Reservoir Ave., Providence
  • Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm, 9/3 to 9/24, at Pawtucket Public Library
  • Saturdays, 2 - 4 pm, 9/3 to 9/24, at Mt. Pleasant Library, Providence
Teen Laser Cutting & Etching Summer Camp
Learn how to use a laser cutter!

Monday, August 15 - Friday, August 19
10 am - 2 pm
PPL - Workshop

Have you ever wondered how laser cutters work? We will show you the basics of how to use a laser cutter to cut and etch various materials. Learn how to use 2D design software to create your own custom designs & multi part assemblies. Create saleable products, beautiful decorations, and meaningful gifts.

Who can participate:
Teens aged 13 - 18 and/or grades 9 - 12
No experience required but experience with 2D design & photo editing software is helpful.

*In person participation required
*Registration is required REGISTER
Instructor Contact: Seiji Abe - Workshop Coordinator, sabe@provlib.org
Rhode Island's online resource center...

AskRI is ALL NEW and waiting for you!
Do you know about all the FREE online resources at AskRI.org? This includes World Book Online, Mango Languages, Ebsco Databases, Explora, NoveList, A to Z Databases, RI Resource Hub, Learning Express and Auto Repair Center.  
 
AskRI.org and the Statewide Reference Resource Center are services of Providence Public Library. Funding for these services is provided by the State of Rhode Island and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LSTA) through the Office of Library and Information Services.
TECH TIP: ARCHIVE.ORG

Do you know about all the free resources available on the Internet Archive, aka Archive.org? This archive is a registered non-profit dedicated to preserving digital materials and making them freely accessible to all–that means free resources for you!

To get started, here are a few things you might find interesting:

The Wayback Machine https://archive.org/web/
Allows you to view older versions of webpages. Just put in the link for any webpage, and you’ll see all of the historical “captures” that Wayback has. Did you know that this [ https://web.archive.org/web/19980210175524/http://www.yahoo.com/ ] is how the Yahoo homepage looked in 1998?

Listen to thousands of hours of old radio shows!

Play old favorite computer games like SimCity, Oregon Trail, and DOOM for free, right in your web browser.

Public domain audiobooks read by volunteers - free for you to listen or download.
Are YOU a PPL Alum? We would love to hear your story!
If you have had an experience at PPL that you'd like to share, we invite you to join our PPL Alum ranks.

PPL welcomes individuals from all walks of life and each has a unique story to tell - stories that illustrate the positive impact our library makes in the lives of those we serve. We want to celebrate and share these stories of personal achievement and transformation with you. Each one exemplifies the Library’s mission to engage, inspire, and connect…whether through personal enjoyment or enlightenment, purposeful education, or professional development.

We consider everyone in our library community who has had a shared library experience to be a member of our family…a #PPLAlum.