From the Library: Improvements

Our excitement about what we will be able to do to improve the library and our services for our community continues to grow as we sort out what will happen over the next several months before the Measure Y funding is in place. Amidst the budgeting and scheduling considerations, we’re still providing programs. What follows are some of the interesting events coming up.
Information technology upgrade
All of the branches throughout our system are undergoing an upgrade process with regard to our networks. It’s been a long time since our system has had a modernization of its routers, switches and access points, both wired and wireless. While anyone will always be able to access our networks, those who have a library card will be able to get to a special network with increased speeds. These upgrades should be completed by January 2017 and we can enjoy the better bandwidth and fewer network problems when you’re trying to stream movies and download e-books.
Tech classes
One of the Sonoma County Library’s new initiatives is to provide basic computer classes across the county. We had the opportunity to pilot this new project at Healdsburg, offering both English and Spanish-language basic computer skills classes in early December. Starting in 2017, many opportunities for computer classes at the various Sonoma County libraries will be available, no matter what your current level of skill. Expect to hear more about this in the months to come.
SAT prep
The library is hosting SAT college assessment test preparation this year. Students who participate will come to a two-day workshop (two and a half hours per day) on January 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the library. The free intensive class will include study and review of problematic areas of all four sections of the SAT: reading, writing and language, math and the optional essay. Students will be provided with an individual copy of the Official SAT Study Guide for use in the class and extended study at home. We expect the class to fill up and we can only accommodate 25 students; if you are interested, please pick up and fill out a registration form at the library as soon as you can.
Ukelele classes
Another ongoing series we have is the Introduction to Ukulele group classes. We’ll have a series of classes this January, with separate hour-long classes for adults and for families. Adult classes will be on Wednesday evenings, January 4 and 11, at 6:30 p.m.; family-oriented classes will be held on Saturday afternoons, January 21 and 28, at 2:30 p.m. You can sign up at the library or online by finding the event in our calendar at www.sclib.us/healcal.
Grand Jury
On Thursday, January 5 at 4 p.m., the library will host a question and answer session on serving in Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury. By attending, you can learn about these unique and powerful institutions. By serving on a jury, you can directly investigate and influence how well city and county governments are serving the residents of their county. If you have an interest in grand juries or would like to serve, please come to this informational session.
Magician Mike
Experience magical effects inspired by some of the many winter holidays celebrated throughout the world with a seasonal magic show for all ages on Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. Mike is a fan favorite around these parts and we look forward to seeing his dazzling feats once again. Our thanks, as always, go out to the Friends of Healdsburg Library for this and many more events. Without the Friends (which you can join for only $5) we would not provide so many engaging free programs for all ages.
Jon Haupt is the Branch Manager of the Healdsburg Regional Library.