A customer came to the 2nd Floor Reference desk at King Library and inquired about senior computer classes. He was an absolute beginner and English was his second language.  He had been told about one-on-one computer sessions at several branch libraries, and the computer classes for seniors taught in Mandarin at King Library. Unfortunately, Mandarin was not one of the languages this gentleman spoke. I informed him about the 3rd Floor volunteer Tech Mentors just waiting to assist.  The customer was thankful, but unsure of what to do next.  As a volunteer Tech Mentor was available until 2:00 p.m. that day, I invited him to accompany me to the 3rd Floor. As it turned out, our volunteer spoke the customer’s native language. A perfect match was made.

Volunteer Tech Mentors are available on the 3rd Floor of King Library from 12:00 - 4:00 PM Monday thru Wednesday and 12:00 – 2:00 PM Thursday and Friday.

Need computer help? Tech Mentors offer FREE computer help. They can assist with basic computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and also provide computer assistance for those who would like to search for a job or submit an application or résumé online.

See more Questions of the Week!

In an effort to help serve our Chinese language community, Almaden Branch Library provides at least three programs that may be of interest:
 

• Computer Tutoring in Mandarin and English: 1st Thursday of each month @ 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM in the library's Tech Center
  In this program, you can get a 1-hour session of 1-on-1 tutoring with a computer expert — in Mandarin and/or English. Adults get help with Facebook, email, your own laptop or tablet, Microsoft Office programs, and many other hardware and software options. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Almaden Branch Library to register at 1-408-808-3040.
  
  
   
• Reading to Children in Mandarin and English: every Wednesday @ 4:00 PM in the Children's Library
  In this program Eugenia reads to children in Mandarin and English. Children can enjoy one-on-one interaction with her, and they can choose the stories they wish to hear. There is no need to sign up. Just drop in and enjoy the program when it is scheduled.
  
  
  
  
  
   
• ESL Conversation Club: every Thursday @ 1:00 PM in the library's Program Room
  In this program adult ESL learners are invited to join our free Conversation Club to practice their English language skills. There is no need to sign up. Just drop in and enjoy the program when it is scheduled. Note: Some English ability is required to attend this program.

Partners in Reading (PAR) is the adult literacy program of the San Jose Public Library. Following is some information for new volunteers and for adults who need help with reading, writing, communication, and computer skills.

Imagine that you could not read a medicine label. What problems do you think might happen as a result?

Consider becoming a volunteer tutor to help change someone’s life, quite possibly your own. Become a volunteer tutor and work with an individual or a small group to tutor basic literacy skills. The next orientation and training begin on March 13, 2013. The 90-minute orientation is followed by two all-day training sessions at the King Library on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, March 23.

The next learner orientation for adults who want to be part of PAR’s regular tutoring program for basic literacy will be on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Learners need to be over 18, live or work in San Jose, read or write below the 9^th grade level, and be able to make a 6-month commitment.

For information about any of these opportunities and to sign up, please call (408) 808-2361. You can also find out more about Partners in Reading by visiting us online.

Technology continues to evolve rapidly. Are you keeping up?

Computers, software, laptops, devices, internet cloud, and more...
We are here to help you learn!

Santa Teresa Branch offers a wide array of computer assistance.

• One -on-one Computer Help
  30 Minute sessions with very knowledgeable mentors.
  Wednesdays, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  Advance registration required.
• Laptop Class      
  Bring in your laptop & learn to get the most out of your laptop!
  Wednesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  Advance registration required.
• Beginning Computer Class
  Various weekly topics in using a computer, software & the internet.
  Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  Registration encouraged.

Can’t make it to any of these classes? Check out this great online resource that offers basic tutorials over a wide array of topics: Goodwill Learning Foundation