Tech Classes

Video Editing with Canva

Monday, January 27, 2025, 5:30 pm

A free online tool, Canva has many functions. Learn how to create and edit video clips up to 30 minutes long.

We'll go over Canva's user-friendly tools and features to help you design personal projects, content for social media, and more. Bring your own device or use a library Windows laptop.

Job Seekers: Create a Resume in Microsoft Word

Thursday, January 30, 2025, 5:30 pm

We'll create a simple resume and cover letter using Microsoft Word and review best practices for formatting, saving, and submitting.

Additional job search resources will be available. This workshop is for people who are already familiar with word-processing basics. Mouse and keyboard skills required.

Getting Started with Google Drive and Cloud Storage

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 1:30 pm

Learn how to use the popular cloud-based file storage option connected to your Google account.

Navigate the interface and learn how to organize, sync, and locate files. Access, create, and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more in Google's one-stop shop. Plus, learn how to share files and access things through the mobile app.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills required, Google account preferred. Bring your own laptop or use a library device.

Microsoft Excel 2021 for Beginners

Monday, February 10, 2025, 11:00 am

This hands-on class introduces the essentials of Microsoft Excel 2021: tabs, rows, columns, functions, formulas, and more.

Basic mouse and keyboarding skills are required. We'll have plenty of time for questions. 

Presenting with Google Slides

Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:30 am

Similar to Microsoft's PowerPoint, Google Slides is a free online application that lets you make and format presentations.

This hands-on class introduces Google Slides, focusing on how to use different layouts, themes, backgrounds, and transitions, as well as how to save, download, upload, and print.

Microsoft Word 2021 for Beginners

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 11:00 am

This hands-on class introduces the essentials of Microsoft Word 2021: tabs, saving and printing, downloading templates, clip art, bullets, and more.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills are needed.

Introduction to Google Sheets

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:30 am

This hands-on class introduces Google Sheets and its basic concepts as an alternative to Excel.

Learn how to create a Google sheet, cells, and simple formulas, as well as how to save, share, download, upload, print, and more.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills are required. Google account strongly preferred.

Exploring Creativity and AI

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 3:00 pm

Explore how artificial intelligence is changing creative work.

We’ll cover trends and examples of some of the most popular AI creative resources across multiple fields, including music, writing, film, design, and visual arts.

Online Learning with Library Resources

Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:30 am

Learn about the online trainings and courses available free through the library.

We will introduce various free resources, including Gale Courses, LinkedIn Learning, Creativebug, and Mango Languages. Dive into a new skill or brush up on old interests.

For Skokie cardholders. Bring your own laptop if desired.

Cables, Ports, and Plugs

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 11:00 am

Have you ever been confused by a random cable lying around? This class explores the most commonly used ports and plugs used by technology. Feel free to bring up to three of your own mysterious cables.

Limited to 10 participants.

Spring Clean Your Devices

Monday, March 17, 2025, 11:00 am

Tired of cookie crumbs in your keyboard? Finger smudges on your screen? Duplicate files clogging your hard drive? Let's clean them up!

Bring your cell phones and laptops to get Spring off to a good start. Learn about tools and best practices for digital hygiene.

Exploring AI Tools: Microsoft CoPilot

Thursday, March 20, 2025, 6:00 pm

Curious about using AI? Microsoft Copilot is a built-in "AI Companion" that can be a great introduction to these new, powerful tools.

Learn some tips and info on searching using CoPilot, including differences from using standard search engines.

We will discuss evaluating results, checking sources, and determining how to use AI in your research.

Introduction to Microsoft Office 365

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 2:00 pm

This presentation introduces Microsoft Office 365, the free, online version of Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

This class is not hands-on; however, it will provide an overview of the major functions and navigation of the Office 365 tools, with plenty of time for questions.

Scams and Phishing: Staying Safe Online

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 3:00 pm

Understanding how to detect scams, frauds, and bad actors on the internet is becoming more important each year.

Learn common signs and aspects of scams and phishing, as well as other tips and tricks to stay safe online.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:30 am

This hands-on class introduces the essentials of Microsoft Excel 2021: tabs, rows, columns, functions, formulas, and more.

Basic mouse and keyboarding skills required. Limited to nine participants.

Digitizing and Preserving Family Archives

Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 3:30 pm

Learn how to preserve your family's history in this introduction to digitizing photographs, letters, and other cherished materials.

Discover simple tools and techniques to create a digital archive that’s easy to share and access.

Using Your Phone to Plan Travel

Monday, April 21, 2025, 3:00 pm

Get ready for summer vacation by turning your inspiration into reality. Use (mostly) free apps on your phone to find, organize, and buy an entire summer's worth of fun

Limited to 15 participants.