By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

Thanks to a new online learning service just subscribed to by your library, students of all ages now have an incredible opportunity to sharpen test-taking skills, improve test scores for academic or licensing exams, and work on writing, math and reading abilities – all for free.

All you have to do is log on to a computer to enjoy access to interactive skill-building courses and a broad range of practice tests based on such official exams such as the ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, U.S. Citizenship, Postal Worker, Cosmetology, Real Estate Agent & Broker exams plus others.

To access this information, go to the library’s web site at www.pagosalibrary.org. On the left margin of the home page, you’ll see a list of Reference web sites. Click on LearningExpress and you’ll be transported to a wealth of helpful instruction.

LearningExpress Library is a comprehensive interactive online learning platform of practice tests and tutorial courses. You’ll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations and an individualized analysis of your results to help you target those skill areas that need the most attention.

The web site offers more than 300 online practice tests. If you are preparing for the SAT or GED, LearningExpress Library offers a complete course series, as well as targeted essay writing practice with multiple writing prompts and instant score reports that immediately let you know how you performed in each skill area.

But exam preparation and practice are not the web site’s only focus. You also can take advantage of comprehensive courses in math, reading and writing as well as essay writing practice with instant scoring, resume writing and workplace skills enrichment. As well, there are special sections for elementary school skills improvement, middle school skills improvement and high school skills improvement.

“In a rural county such as we live in, it is often difficult to locate a test preparation school that’s isn’t hours away – and if you do locate one, the cost can be prohibitive,” said library director Jackie Welch. “For these reasons, and for other learning opportunities, we hope our patrons will take advantage of this amazing new learning tool.”

Books for kids

“It’s Not What You’ve Got! Lessons for Kids on Money and Abundance” is the latest inspirational book by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Aimed at children aged 4-10, it is not a how-to manual on spending and saving but rather a positive, spiritual approach to the meaning of money. “Pendragon Book Four: The Reality Bug” by D. J. MacHale is a fantasy book for seventh graders and older.

Fantasy for young adults

“The Pilgrims of Rayne” and “The Never/War” by D. J. Hale are two more in the bestselling fantasy series aimed at seventh graders and older that features 15-year-old Bobby Pendragon.

Christian fiction

“Rekindled,” “Revealed” and “Remembered” are the first three books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles series by well-known Christian fiction writer Tamera Alexander.

Biographies

“Born Standing Up” is the autobiography of comedian and writer Steve Martin. “The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh: A Woman in World History” by historian Linda Colley uses the diaries of relatives to illuminate the life of this fascinating British Empire woman. “Sacco and Vanzetti” by Bruce Watson is a narrative of the events leading to the execution of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, profiling these men whose ordeal sparked international outrage during the 1920s.

Books about dogs

“Good Dog. Stay” by Pulitzer-Prize winner Anna Quindlen is a tribute to her beloved black Labrador retriever Beau. “Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover’s Story of Joy and Anguish” by Mark R. Levin is the story of an older dog rescued from a local shelter.

Non-fiction: Dyslexia and the Depression

“Overcoming Dyslexia” by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. bills itself as a new and complete science-based program for reading problems at any level. “Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression” is a touching look at rural life in the 1930s by Mildred Armstrong Kalish.

Book/DVD combo

“Building with Awareness: The Construction of a Hybrid Home” is a guidebook and DVD package by Ted Owens showing you how to use natural and reclaimed materials with solar technology to craft a home of timber, straw bales, adobe and stone that is powered by the sun.

Novels for adults

“The Race” by New York Times bestselling author Richard North Patterson is a political novel about contemporary power politics that takes on racism, terrorism, religious fundamentalism, gay rights and the rise of media monopolies. “I am Legend” by Richard Matheson is a vampire novel that has been applauded by authors Stephen King and Dean Koontz. “Man Gone Down” is a first novel by Michael Thomas about a young black father of three in a biracial marriage trying hard to claim his bit of the American Dream.

Spanish lessons on CD

“Traveler’s Spanish” is a complete package to help you learn Spanish with two 60-minute CDs, a 48-page review booklet with complete printed lessons, a study guide and a pocket phrasebook and dictionary.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week we thank Medora Bass, Bruce Dryburgh, Norm and Terri Frazier, Marcia Pastuszek, Michelle Smith and Codie Wilson.

Quotable quote

“Literature is the province of imagination and stories, in whatever guise, are meditations on life.” – contemporary novelist Paula Fox

* * *