New at the library are free computer classes that are being offered in January. Several classes were already held this week. Aaron Riggs spoke with LIbrary Director William Ottens for more.

{youtube}{8RZmRZA4x3Y/youtube}

The classes are located on the first floor of the library in a computer lab that used to be for children's use.

"There's not many kids coming and wanting to use the computers, so we're hoping to repurpose this space as a technology learning lab," says library director William Ottens.

A lab that allows library patrons to be taught with a hands-on approach.

"They'll be in front of the computer and be able to do what their being instructed right in front of them," says Ottens.

The class Ottens is teaching today is on Computer Basics.

Ottens talks about things like hardware, such as the CD drive.

And software like clicking a link on a webpage. For more advanced users, Ottens will teach a class on getting started with facebook--teaching how to create an account and find friends, among other things.

"The facebook class will teach them not only how to use facebook but how to use it smart. We'll instruct about the privacy settings available on there, how to protect your information on there," says Ottens.

Otten says the classes are designed for a specific age group.

"Generally older adults who may not have the experience on computers who want to learn about using computers," says Ottens.

"I do have a computer and I do know a little bit about the basics but, I can always learn more," says Marilyn Cady, a library patron.

And whether it's learning more or learning new -- Ottens believes the computer skills are necessary to have.

"We've come to a point where a lot of the stuff you can do and need to do is on the computer. So the library can be a place where people can come and learn about those things and feel comfortable about being able to use computers," says Ottens.

In the future, Ottens hopes the learning lab can grow to include classes for teens as well.

"We can do teen programing in here. Teach teens how to make a video or use photoshop things like that. Any programs that we have on our computer that they would be interested in," says Ottens.

Giving patrons young and old a reason to visit the library.

If you'd like to sign up for the classes being offered next week, including the 'getting started with facebook' class, you can call the library to reserve a seat.