October 2020 -- Computer & Technology News
TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

PPL regularly offers varied free computer and technology training classes. 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 www.provlib.org/calendar. If you need assistance, please call 455-8000.

Our classes have now transitioned to online sessions!

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DATA PATHWAY Classes -- Last Session of the Year!

Our final 2020 round of Data Analysis and Data Visualization classes will be available as live Zoom sessions. If you've been waiting, this is your chance! These free classes will teach you the skills you need to get started working with data. Basic Excel knowledge is required.

Data Analytics
Oct 26 - Dec 16
Mon & Wed 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Covering: data collection, advanced Excel, and introductory data analysis techniques such as linear regression.

Data Visualization
Oct 26 - Dec 16
Mon & Wed 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Covering: more advanced data analysis tools and data visualization through Excel and Tableau.

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Technology Tip...
Back Up Your Data!

Your important photos, files, and documents are stored on your computer and phone, but what happens if those devices get damaged or lost? Devices can be replaced, but once data is gone, it’s gone forever.

The key to avoid losing your important data is to use an automated cloud backup service. If you’re not sure where to start, check out PC Mag’s article “The Best Online Backup Services for 2020”
MISS OUR VIRTUAL RIBBON CUTTING? WATCH NOW!
The Library has further expanded its hours and services...

Even though we officially celebrated our reopening on September 21, we have been open and now have expanded our hours and services as follows:

EXPANDED HOURS
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Wednesday, 12 - 8 PM
  • Sunday, CLOSED
ONSITE SERVICES
  • Pick up holds (curbside pickup also available by appointment; call 455-8000)
  • In-person requests of items in our stacks
  • Outside book drop is open 24/7
  • New material displays and DVDs for browsing
  • Self-checkout
  • Computers are available for 1-hour sessions (please call ahead to make an appointment - 455-8000); express station available for walk-ins.
  • Printing, copying, and scanning. Free up to 10 pages.
  • Research with RI Index and Microfilm, by appointment. Arrange appointments by emailing pplref@provlib.org. Sessions are limited to two hours at a time, during the hours when the Library is open.
CONTINUING VIRTUAL SERVICES
  • Phone, chat, and email reference Monday - Saturday, 9 AM - 4 PM; Wednesday 12-8.
  • Virtual Research Visits with Special Collections

Our Learning Lounge Services are Now Available Remotely!

At the Learning Lounge, experienced professionals assist adults in the use of digital resources. Get help with reading, writing and math; learn English; develop computer skills; prepare for tests such as Northstar, TABE, CASAS and GED; acquire employment readiness skills; prepare for U.S. Citizenship; connect to community services and programs – and it’s all free.

Receive assistance with employment services such as career coaching, resumes and cover letters, job search, applications and interviews, education and training options, and evaluation of foreign educational credentials.

For Remote Adult Learning Services contact Lina, our Learning Lounge Coordinator – 
lbravo@provlib.org.
Wednesdays: 4:00 - 7:00 pm & Fridays: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
The answers to your questions...

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.
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.