By Leasa Sieve

Reference Librarian

Happy New Year! I think it is nice to return to some version of a normal routine after the busy holiday season, don’t you? Having said that, the start of 2017 brings with it some new happenings at the library.

Are you looking to improve your computer skills, or do you find that Windows 10 or Facebook confounds you? The library is offering the public an assist. Mankato Adult Basic Education is coming here to teach beginning computer classes every Monday from 2:30-5 p.m. starting January 30. The classes are on a seven-week rotation with a different subject every week. You can come every Monday and complete all seven classes, or you can pick and choose the ones in which you are interested. Registration is not necessary, and computers will be provided, so just stop by and see what it’s all about. As always, give the library a call at 507-359-8335 if you have any questions. If you would like to plan ahead, printouts with the entire schedule are available at the library. The dates for the first series are as follows:

Jan. 30-Basic Computer Skills

Feb. 6-World Wide Web

Feb. 13-Windows 10

Feb. 27-Using Email

Mar. 6-Microsoft Word 2016

Mar. 13-Social Media (e.g., Facebook)

Mar. 20-Google Drive/Gmail

Here is something else a little outside of our normal routine. As you know, the library has magazines for your reading pleasure. I would like to introduce some new titles we are receiving for 2017. If you enjoy cooking, “Cook’s Illustrated” will teach you things you didn’t even realize you wanted to know. “Victoria” magazine will help you decorate and entertain in grand style. If you can’t get enough of HGTV, then you will want to check out “HGTV” magazine for additional renovation and decorating ideas. For those of you interested in business and finance, we have the latest issues of “Forbes” and “Kiplinger’s.” Love old tractors? Then keep an eye on our magazine display for the first issue of “Classic Tractor” magazine. It’s not here yet, but it is coming soon!

If you have picked up one of our magazines to read lately, you may have noticed a basket on top of the display. I would like to ask you to place the magazine in the basket when you are finished looking at it instead of putting it back on the display. This will help me get an idea of which magazines are being looked at so I can order the titles in which you are most interested.

I wish you great things in 2017. I hope the library is a place of great books, inspirational activities, and increased knowledge for you. See you soon!