Read the August 2008 connectnow magazine online or pick up a copy of the current issue at the library.  connectnow contains the monthly schedule of events including children's and adult programs, film series, business and gallery programs, computer training classes and the bookmobile schedule. 

Articles in this issue:

Imagine it: the Story Zone area redesigned for children and early literacy

Exploring the Digital Branch at http://www.tscpl.org

Building the Collection: the library's permanent art collection continues to grow

Children and families can catch the reading bug all summer at the library. View photos from the May 28th kickoff events, including entertaining crafts, games and activities. 

Pick up your summer reading form for children, teens or adults at the library, a bookmobile, or print one from the library's website.

View all of the photos from the Catch a Reading Bug- Summer Reading Kickoff Event on the library's flickr page.

Computer Classes are free and open to all. However, registration is requested.

Register now by filling out the registration form on the right. Be sure to tell us what dates and times you want for each class and whether you want us to reply by e-mail or phone. Or, Call 785-580-4606 or e-mail class@tscpl.org to register or get more information. Click here to see the Computer Class Calendar.

Beginning Classes

Designed for the new computer user and presented at a relaxed pace. We recommend taking these classes in the order listed. We encourage you to repeat these classes as many times as you wish.

Taming Your Mouse
Learn the proper way to hold and move the mouse. Learn about single and double clicking, right button clicking, dragging and dropping, scroll bars, radio buttons and checkboxes. Practice mouse skills by playing Mouserobics and Mousing Around. Click on the blue underlined links to go to these fun web sites and practice your mouse skills. Come to a Drop-In to further practice your skills.

Beginning Windows
Learn Windows basics. Learn about the mouse, desktop, icons, start button, task bar, and keyboard. Learn to minimize and maximize windows and use the calculator.

Word: Introduction to Word Processing
Using Microsoft Word 2002/2003, learn to set margins and tabs, change fonts, spell check, select text, save and delete files.

Internet Introduction
Using Internet Explorer, learn basic internet functions and visit some interesting sites.

E-mail with Yahoo! Mail
Learn to address, compose, reply to and forward e-mail messages. Yahoo! Mail is a free e-mail service that is available from any computer with Internet access.

Look it up on the Internet
Learn to use the library’s online catalog. Reserve and renew library materials from the library or home. Also learn about some of the special subscription resources that you may access for free from the library or from home if you have a valid TSCPL library card.

Play it Safe on the Internet
Help keep yourself and your computer safe. Watch a demonstration to learn about Windows updates, anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware software. Learn safe online shopping techniques.

Beyond the Basics

Take these classes to enhance your job skills or whenever you're ready for more challenging projects. Classes are presented at a faster pace than beginning classes.

Cut, Copy & Paste
Take advantage of this basic but powerful technique. Learn at least 4 new ways to select text, cut, copy and paste in Microsoft Word. Also learn to copy web addresses and paste them into e-mail messages, documents or an Internet browser address bar. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Word: Graphics
Learn to use the drawing toolbar, clip art, WordArt, text boxes and more using Microsoft Word 2002/2003. We'll insert, resize, rotate, flip and reformat graphics. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Word: Tables, Tabs & Columns
Learn to set tabs, construct tables and use columns. We will emphasize tables: setting up columns and rows, formatting choices and more. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Excel: Introduction to Spreadsheets
Learn about cells, columns, rows, AutoSum, simple functions or formulas, number formats, and page setup features,

Excel: Lists
Learn the basics of making lists using Excel's data capabilities. Create field names, sort lists, and link spreadsheets. Take this class after taking Excel: Introduction to Spreadsheets or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Excel.

Word: Mail Merge & Mailing Labels
Create mailing labels, envelopes, personalized form letters, and directories by combining a data list with Word 2002/2003. We will use the data list created in the Excel: Lists class to merge into Word documents. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Powerpoint
Create dynamic presentations. Learn to insert slides, add text, graphics, transitions and animations.

Winway Resume Writing
Learn to create professional-looking resumes with WinWay Resume Deluxe which is a simple to use program also used at the Topeka Workforce Center.

Get It Now! Free Downloadable Media at Your Library
Learn how to checkout, download and play e-audiobooks, music and even movies on your computer or portable media device. See a demonstration of how to use NetLibrary and Overddrive services. Students will practice hands-on with both services. Note: Currently, Apple computers, iPods and Zunes are not supported. Howver, Overdrive plans to support all of these devices this summer.

Drop-In

Drop-in
Practice new computer skills, learn to use a mouse or get a little help with computer problems. Come and go anytime during the session. Registration is not required. Drop-Ins are held on most Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00 pm and at least one Saturday a month. Check the Computer Training calendar for specific dates and times.

For a current schedule and specific dates and times, read the library’s magazine connectnow. May computer classes listed on pages 11-12.  June & July classes listed on pages 18-20. Or, browse the Computer Training Classes calendar. Click on any class title in the calendar to see all the dates/times that class will be offered.

Beginning Classes

Computer Classes are free and open to all. However, registration is requested.

Register now by filling out the registration form on the right. Be sure to tell us what dates and times you want for each class and whether you want us to reply by e-mail or phone. Or, Call 785-580-4606 or e-mail class@tscpl.org to register or get more information. Click here to see the Computer Class Calendar.

Designed for the new computer user and presented at a relaxed pace. We recommend taking these classes in the order listed. We encourage you to repeat these classes as many times as you wish.

Taming Your Mouse
Learn the proper way to hold and move the mouse. Learn about single and double clicking, right button clicking, dragging and dropping, scroll bars, radio buttons and checkboxes. Practice mouse skills by playing Mouserobics and Mousing Around. Click on the blue underlined links to go to these fun web sites and practice your mouse skills. Come to a Drop-In to further practice your skills.

Beginning Windows
Learn Windows basics. Learn about the mouse, desktop, icons, start button, task bar, and keyboard. Learn to minimize and maximize windows and use the calculator.

Word: Introduction to Word Processing
Using Microsoft Word 2002/2003, learn to set margins and tabs, change fonts, spell check, select text, save and delete files.

Internet Introduction
Using Internet Explorer, learn basic internet functions and visit some interesting sites.

E-mail with Yahoo! Mail
Learn to address, compose, reply to and forward e-mail messages. Yahoo! Mail is a free e-mail service that is available from any computer with Internet access.

Look it up on the Internet
Learn to use the library’s online catalog. Reserve and renew library materials from the library or home. Also learn about some of the special subscription resources that you may access for free from the library or from home if you have a valid TSCPL library card.

Play it Safe on the Internet
Help keep yourself and your computer safe. Watch a demonstration to learn about Windows updates, anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware software. Learn safe online shopping techniques.

Beyond the Basics

Take these classes to enhance your job skills or whenever you're ready for more challenging projects. Classes are presented at a faster pace than beginning classes.

Cut, Copy & Paste
Take advantage of this basic but powerful technique. Learn at least 4 new ways to select text, cut, copy and paste in Microsoft Word. Also learn to copy web addresses and paste them into e-mail messages, documents or an Internet browser address bar. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Word: Graphics
Learn to use the drawing toolbar, clip art, WordArt, text boxes and more using Microsoft Word 2002/2003. We'll insert, resize, rotate, flip and reformat graphics. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Word: Tables, Tabs & Columns
Learn to set tabs, construct tables and use columns. We will emphasize tables: setting up columns and rows, formatting choices and more. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Excel: Introduction to Spreadsheets
Learn about cells, columns, rows, AutoSum, simple functions or formulas, number formats, and page setup features,

Excel: Lists
Learn the basics of making lists using Excel's data capabilities. Create field names, sort lists, and link spreadsheets. Take this class after taking Excel: Introduction to Spreadsheets or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Excel.

Word: Mail Merge & Mailing Labels
Create mailing labels, envelopes, personalized form letters, and directories by combining a data list with Word 2002/2003. We will use the data list created in the Excel: Lists class to merge into Word documents. Take this class after taking Word: Introduction to Word Processing or if you are already familiar with Microsoft Word.

Powerpoint
Create dynamic presentations. Learn to insert slides, add text, graphics, transitions and animations.

Winway Resume Writing
Learn to create professional-looking resumes with WinWay Resume Deluxe which is a simple to use program also used at the Topeka Workforce Center.

Get It Now! Free Downloadable Media at Your Library
Learn how to checkout, download and play e-audiobooks, music and even movies on your computer or portable media device. See a demonstration of how to use NetLibrary and Overddrive services. Students will practice hands-on with both services. Note: Currently, Apple computers, iPods and Zunes are not supported. Howver, Overdrive plans to support all of these devices this summer.

Drop-In

Drop-in
Practice new computer skills, learn to use a mouse or get a little help with computer problems. Come and go anytime during the session. Registration is not required. Drop-Ins are held on most Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00 pm and at least one Saturday a month. Check the Computer Training calendar for specific dates and times.

At the 3rd annual El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros, we celebrated children and books with a fiesta, including book displays, storytimes with musical games, poetry, and puppet shows; a carnival, animals, art activities, and games with prizes; poetry and art displays from area school children; a concession stand with free food; a raffle; and music and dancing provided by the children of Holy Family Elementary.   

La Biblioteca Publica de Topeka el Condado Shawnee te invitan a celebrar el día de los niños y los libros el 30 de abril desde. Ven y diviertete con nosotros leyendo cuentos, poemas, show de titeres, juegos de carnaval, los animales de Bookmobile, actividades de arte, danzas y musica por los niños de la escuela Holy Family. Tendremos premios y rifas, comida y bebida gratis. Ven con tu familia para este maravilloso entretenimiento gratis. Todos seran bienvenidos ! 

The 3rd annual El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros was celebrated from 5:00PM to 7:30PM in the Main Marvin Auditorium 101ABC on April 30, 2008. Please join us again in 2009!

Dancers from Holy Family Catholic School

The crowd enjoys the puppet show!

Judy and Tracy read Frog's Lunch in English and Spanish

View all 36 photos of this event on the library's flickr page.

Read the June-July 2008 connectnow magazine online or pick up a copy of the current issue at the library.  connectnow contains the monthly schedule of events including children's and adult programs, film series, business and gallery programs, computer training classes and the bookmobile schedule. 

Articles in this issue:

Complete schedule of Summer programming for children and adults

There are bugs in the gallery: the Sabatini Gallery's seventh annual art exhibit for children

Use the library to change your life: Adult Summer Reading program

Enjoy the beautiful and creative winning entries for the Go Green Fair poster contest at the library. All of the entries are on display throughout the library during the month of April.

Enjoy the beautiful and creative winning entries for the Go Green Fair poster contest at the library. All of the entries are on display throughout the library during the month of April.

Emma, K-2, 2nd Prize

 
Greyson, K-2, 3rd Prize

Tomi Lynn, 3-5, 2nd Prize

Victoria, 3-5, 3rd Prize

Amy, 6-8, 1st Prize

 
Raven, 6-8, 2nd Prize

 
Chloe,6-8, 3rd Prize

 
Ciera, 9-12, 1st Prize

Kathryn, 9-12, 2nd Prize

Amberley, 9-12, 3rd Prize

View more photos from the April 2008 Go Green Fair, including winning posters from the art contest,  on the library's flickr page.

The library thanks these local community groups who participated at the fair:

Audubon Society
Buddy the Recycler
Cair Paravel Latin School Madrigals
Friends of the Kaw River 
Helping Hands Humane Society
Kansas Forest Service
Kaw Valley Mountain Dulcimers
Master Gardeners
Nature Conservancy                                 
Shawnee Co. Conservation District          
Shawnee County 4-H                                 
Sierra Club
Stone Nature Center
Topeka City Naturalist
Water Pollution Control
Wednesday Downtown Farmer’s Market  

Check out these tips for going green using the library:
Check-out, enjoy and return books, movies and music instead of buying your own copies.
You don’t have to drive across town to use the library. Visit your nearest bookmobile stop.
Read current newspapers and magazines at your library (or on a computer at the library) instead of subscribing at home.
Bring along your own bag to carry home your library materials.
Donate your books and magazines to the Friends of the Library so they can offer them to other readers in the ChandlerBooktique and at the annual Friends Book Sale in September. Unsold items are recycled.
Save gas by stopping by one of our 15 drop boxes to return library materials while you’re out running errands instead of driving to the library.
Follow the library’s “going green” example by using environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals and by expanding recycling efforts.
Walk, bike, carpool or take the bus to the library instead of driving a personal vehicle.
When photocopying at the library, remember the option to use two-sided (front and back) copies to save paper.
Spend an enjoyable day in this beautiful location, saving gas and energy. Incorporate the library into your entertainment schedule: eat lunch in the Millennium Café, visit an art exhibition in the Sabatini Gallery, and browse for books and magazines.

Read the May 2008 connectnow magazine online or pick up a copy of the current issue at the library.  connectnow contains the monthly schedule of events including children's and adult programs, film series, business and gallery programs, computer training classes and the bookmobile schedule. 

Articles in this issue:

Catch the reading bug: avoid the summer slump with children's summer reading program

Self-check comes to movies and games: DVD Dispenser will change checkout

Kerry Onstott Storey is on board: Chairperson of the TSCPL Board of Trustees shares her story

A new logo for the library

During Spring Break in March 2008, a retired science teacher came to the library to share fun (and messy!) hands-on science activities with our community. Over 400 people learned that science isn't just useful, interesting and fun -- it can also be MESSY!

Adults, children and families rotated through seven different stations and enjoyed hands-on messy science. Participants made three kinds of slime, stood inside of huge soap bubbles, put skewers through balloons, learned to make marbled paper, used chromatography to make art, and more!

The handout from the program with additional instruction for doing Messy Science at home is available on the library's website.
http://www.tscpl.org/programs/comments/messy_science/

View the complete set of photos on the library's Flickr pages.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/topekalibrary/sets/72157604409868686/

Magic Sand         

Ordinary sand found on a beach is hydrophic. Hydrophilic means “water loving”. Water molecules are attracted to the surface of the sand and the sand is wetted by water. The surface of the sand particles in Magic Sand is coated with a material that makes them hydrophobic. Hydrophobic means “water fearing” or “water hating”. Things that are hydrophobic want to avoid water. Water will not wet the surface of Magic Sand and this gives Magic Sand some unusual properties. Magic Sand is available for purchase through various Internet retailers. 

Videos showing properties of Magic Sand: http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/Journal/issues/2000/Jan/abs40A.html  

Slime and Gluep

A polymer molecule is a long chain of thousands of repeating molecular units. Polymers can be extremely strong like Kevlar (used in bullet-proof vests) or flexible, like plastic wrap. The properties of a polymer depend on the identity of the repeating unit and the length of the molecule chain. In cross-linked polymers, like slime and gluep, long molecule chains are connected to each other by chemical bonds.  In both slime and gluep the borax ion from laundry borax is used to link the molecules together. Slime is made by mixing a solution of polyvinyl alcohol and borax. White glue contains polyvinyl acetate. The borate ions form cross-links between the polyvinyl acetate molecule chains and forms the gel-like stuff called “gluep”. The materials for slime are more difficult to obtain, but to make gluep you only need regular white glue and some borax from the laundry aisle.

Some additional polymer recipes, activities and web resources:      
http://www.polymerambassadors.org/PolymerActivities2.htm
http://www.polymerambassadors.org/WWWsites2.htm 

Oobleck

Mixing cornstarch and water together in a 2-1 ratio gives a rather viscous (thick, slow flowing) liquid material.  Unlike materials like latex paint that often become less viscous upon stirring, oobleck has the unusual property of becoming more viscous when stirred or compressed.  

Additional information and ideas:      
http://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/ooze.html
An interesting video (which you cannot try at home!)      
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygtX2miwU5I 

Marbling paper

There’s both art and science in creating of colorful marbled paper patterns using shaving cream and food color. Shaving cream is mixture of soap molecules dissolved in water and a propellant gas.  Soap molecules have a hydrophilic (“water loving”) head and a hydrophobic (“water hating”) tail. Paper contains cellulose, which interacts with the hydrophilic end of the soap molecules. The lather helps spread the food coloring molecules to the surface of the paper.   

Additional information and ideas:
http://www.cbbag.ca/BookArtsWeb/PaperDecorating.html 
 

Soap Bubbles and Surface Tension

Water has a very high surface tension and tends to pull itself together to form droplets. [You’ll see this in one of the Magic Sand experiments.] Adding soap or detergent to water lowers the surface tension and allows for the formation of “bubbles”.  When you blow air into a soap-water solution it forms a bubble -- a flexible film consisting of two layers of soap molecules with a layer of water molecules in between. Soap and detergent molecules are snake-like molecules that have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-hating) tail. In a soap film, the hydrophilic heads orient themselves inward toward the water layer, and the hydrophobic tails stick outward away from the water.       

Soap bubbles tend to “pop” when water evaporates and the soap film gets to thin. We’ve added glycerin to our soap bubble mixture because it tends to hold on to the water, slowing the rate of water evaporation and making the bubbles last longer.       Bubbles form circular spheres because the soap film assumes the shape that gives the smallest possible surface area. This fact also effects how soap films form in three dimensional shapes. 

Additional information and ideas:      
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/bubbles/bubbles.html  
http://www.bubbles.org/index.htm