LIBRARY NEWS

Hone your computer skills with library resources

By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

Randi Sands, a Vancouver resident who visited relatives in Pagosa a few summers ago, has given the library a copy of a computer guide that is a best-seller in Canada. Called “Computer and Internet Guide/Third Edition: An Easy and Fun Beginner Computer Guide,” the book was initially written by its author Louise Latremouille for her parents who, she says, “reluctantly came to agree that computers can be useful.” Another reason for the book’s popularity may be the fact that proceeds from its sales go to support cancer research.

This book takes you through the basics, like the parts of a computer plus how and where to set it up. Then it gets to more complicated functions such as inserting photos into your text, formatting a document, using tools like spell-checker and word count, plus email and internet searches. Everything is explained in a pleasant, easy-to-understand style.

This book is one of about 30 books on using computers that we currently have in the library. Recently the staff has weeded and replaced many of our computer books so you will have the latest information available to help you learn and hone your skills. You will find the computer books in ANF 004-005, which is the first stack behind the junior nonfiction.

We also have a basic adult computer class that covers accessing the internet, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This is an open class for all levels; no registration is required. It is held on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Bilingual help is available. Clases de computation para adultos los Martes a las 9:30 de la manana.

Free Lifelong Learning lecture

The fifth spring Lifelong Learning lecture takes place this Saturday, April 19 at 3 p.m. when Dr. John Condie speaks on “”Evolution and Creation: A Biologist’s Eye View” at the library. For the complete lineup of the free spring series lectures arranged by program organizer Biz Greene, please visit the Lifelong Learning page on the library web site at www.pagosalibrary.org.

Books for pre-teens

We have two new books aimed at kids in the third through seventh grades. “Words of Stone” by Kevin Henkes is the story of a deep but difficult friendship between two ten-year-olds. “Night of the Howling Dogs” by Graham Salisbury is the true story of a disaster that befalls a Scout troop on the Big Island of Hawaii that teaches everyone the true meaning of leadership.

Adult non-fiction

“Earth: The Sequel” by Fred Krupp, longtime president of Environmental Defense Fund, and Mariam Horn offers solutions to global warming by reinventing energy and the way we use it. “Beautiful Boy” by David Sheff describes a father’s journey through his son’s addiction. “The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife” by Marianne Williamson explores the advantages of going slower physically in order to rev up psychically. “A Solitary War: A Diplomat’s Chronicle of the Iraq War” by Heraldo Munoz, ambassador of Chile to the United Nations, offers his view as to why a multilateral approach to foreign policy is imperatiove in today’s world.

Celebrity autobiographies

“Losing It – And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time” by Valerie Bertinelli is her behind-the-scenes account of the ups and down of teen stardom, her complicated marriage to a tormented musical genius and her very public struggle with her weight. “Send Yourself Roses” is the memoir of actress Kathleen Turner, who describes the risks she has taken and the lessons she has learned, sometimes the hard way – plus what it’s like to work with legends such as Jack Nicholson and Michael Douglas.

Large print books

“Dream Chaser” is a futuristic romance from the series featuring Dream-Hunter Xypher by Sherrilyn Kenyon. “Shotgun” by Elmer Kelton is a western novel set in Texas. “The Prince” is book three in the Sons of Encouragement historical fiction series by Francine Rivers. “When the Light Goes” is a novel by Larry McMurtry about a man back from Egypt having trouble readjusting to life in West Texas. “The Faith Club” by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warmer is a memoir of spiritual reflections by three mothers -- a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew -- brought together after September 11. “Spanish Dagger” by Susan Wittig Albert is one of the China Bayles mystery series. “The Long Night of Winchell Dear” by Robert James Waller is a novel featuring an old-time Texas poker player. “Once Around the Track” is a novel by Sharyn McCrumb about the first all-women’s team in stock-car racing history.

Adult novels

“Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana” is the second book in Anne Rice’s life of Christ, the sequel to “Out of Egypt,” the opening novel. “Melody and Cordoba” is a trio of three western stories featuring Lew Melody, narrated by Max Brand. “Lush Life” by Richard Price is the story of Eric Cash, who is falling farther and farther behind in his plans to become an actor, writer or restauranteur.

Quotable quote

“My parents weren’t overly demanding, but my mom did like me to read. She’d take us to the library every week, and we’d come back with 10 books. Then we’d go back the next week and get 10 more.” – Joyce King Thomas, chief creative director at the McCann Erickson Worldwide advertising agency and creator of the MasterCard “priceless” ad campaign, on the key components behind her successful career, in a Wall Street Journal interview April 1.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week we thank Diane Bower, Barbara Brashar, Susan Dussell, Jean Folgelberg, Marti Gallo, Scottie Gibson, Donna Geiger, Kathy Hamilton, Dianne McInnis, Jana Parkes, Monte Peterson, Cindy Quigley, Barbara Rotureau, Kent Schafer, Siri Schuchardt, Gail Shepherd, Sandy Sinclair, Susan Thorpe, Christine Trout and Kelly Wilderson.

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