Tech Classes

TECH CLASSES CLASSES Build skills from basics to beyond.

Registration is required for all classes. Arlington Heights cardholders only.

Buying and Selling Online Tuesday, September 1, 6–7:30 p.m. / Zoom

Want to start buying and selling things online but don’t know where to start? In this class, you’ll learn tips when it comes to buying and selling items on sites such as Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace and more. No accounts needed; this will be an overview of these services. How to Use Screen Capture

Cord Cutting 101: Exploring Cable Alternatives Tuesday, September 8, 6–7:30 p.m. / Zoom

Save hundreds of dollars annually by cutting your cable and phone cord. This program cable (Netflix, Roku, Sling, Roku, Apple TV, hoopla, etc.) and traditional land line phones (mobile, Google Voice, etc.). Free Alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud Monday, September 14, 6–7:30 p.m. / Zoom

We’ll cover free software options that will allow you to edit photos and videos, design flyers, create animations, record audio and more on your home computer.

will explore cost-effective alternatives to Software Tuesday, September 22, 6–7:30 p.m. / Zoom

Learn about the various ways you can record and stream from your home computer.

eBooks, eAudiobooks, Movies and More Tuesday, September 29, 1:30–3 p.m. / Zoom

Learn all about the free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music and magazines you can access from home or on-the-go with your AHML library card.

Library receives state grant for makerspace building renovations

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded the Arlington Heights Memorial Library the Live and Learn Construction Grant in the amount of $50,000.

“My office is fortunate to have the opportunity to assist your library with this important infrastructure improvement project,” White stated in his letter to the library announcing the award.

The Live and Learn Construction Grant provides funding to public libraries for the conversion of existing buildings not currently used for library services. AHML will use the grant toward the renovation of 112 N. Belmont Ave., formerly the Arlington Heights teen center, into a standalone makerspace building, a first among public libraries.

The funds will be used for remodeling for accessibility to comply with the Illinois Accessibility Code and Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Planned improvements include construction on the concrete stair entry and ramp at the front entrance of the building, the entrance vestibule and interior ramp, code-required signage and improvements to one of the restrooms on the main floor and the accessible parking space.

“We are grateful to the Secretary of State for this grant which supports the library’s makerspace project, makes it more accessible, and the positive impact it will have on the community,” said AHML Executive Director Mike Driskell. While preserving the structure’s historic architecture, renovation plans also include replacement of the existing roof and HVAC system along with upgrades to the interior space that will transform the building into a state-of-the-art center for hands-on experiential learning. The makerspace will offer technology and creative equipment and supplies that will allow entrepreneurs, small businesses, hobbyists and students to use equipment they may not have the resources or space to own.

“The initial catalyst for creating a makerspace came from a community survey,” said Driskell, “It’s gratifying to now see all the planning and development come together. The library is excited to provide a place that will give the Arlington Heights community new opportunities to learn and to innovate both personally and professionally.”

Williams Architects of Itasca is the architect for the project and designs are being finalized. Construction and renovations are expected to begin in early fall with a targeted opening date of late 2020. To learn more about the project, visit ahml.info/makerspace.

Moving popular programs online keeps seniors connected

Current Events is one of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s longestrunning programs, taking place at the Arlington Heights Senior Center each week for 30 years. It is also one of the library’s many programs that transitioned online since social distancing policies went into effect, making it an example of how virtual programming can lead to positive results in local communities.

Bonnie Galvan

The library’s virtual programs help community members connect with one another through shared interests, fun activities and meaningful discussions. For a program like Current Events, which typically hosts 40-50 people at a time to discuss what is going on in the world, this type of interaction is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To suddenly have a major thing in their life cease was a hardship; people were really excited to have it back in their lives,” said Senior & Accessible Services Manager Mary Jo Lepo, who worked with her team to get Current Events, along with other library senior programs, back up and running through Zoom. “People need that kind of connection and while it isn’t the same as being in-person, when you haven’t had many interactions recently because you’re in a vulnerable situation, it does make a difference.”

In order to transition a program like Current Events to an online discussion, Lepo said it was important to work through the technological challenges some

faced and “bridge the gap.” She and Digital Media Specialist Chris Smith spent weeks hosting smaller test meetings to help participants feel comfortable using Zoom. Now the program is well underway, and it has been so successful that the program currently The best thing for me is being has a waiting list to join. able to meet with so many Customers have also requested to leave some time for social sharing and tips. “It makes of the other people and just people feel less alone,” Lepo said. “[Current Events] is sort of a fixture in a lot of people’s discuss what’s going on. That lives and although we get new people that social connection is really come in and out of the group, there’s always a core that remains and this keeps that important in a time like this. connection going.”

Arlington Heights resident Bonnie Galvan has attended Current Events since 1999. She said her favorite part about the program is that she is always able to learn something new at each meeting with the friends she’s made over the years.

“I’m not great with any technology, but Zoom is easy to [use],” Galvan said. “The best thing for me is being able to meet with so many of the other people and just discuss what’s going on. That social connection is really important in a time like this.”

The library’s Senior & Accessible Services department has been hard at work finding ways to bring back other popular programs like Art with Alayne and the Computer Interest Group while also creating new programs like a pen pal program and a weekly Senior Story Discussion that takes place over the phone for residents in senior living facilities and the library’s home delivery program.

“When we had our first story discussion, I felt like we were rescuing people from a desert island,” Lepo said. “Some of the best conversations have been when everyone is sharing their experiences about what’s going on – how their meals are, sharing tips about what hand creams to use because of the excessive handwashing and sharing how they are feeling. The stories are great, but the real thing is being able to provide an opportunity for people to engage with one another.”

“I think when you know that the obstacles you have to overcome are really going to make a difference in someone’s life, it’s easier to push forward and overcome those obstacles,” she continued. “Keeping the focus on the customer and finding ways to make it work for them is the key.”

Call the library’s Senior & Accessible Services department at 847-870-3712 to learn more about the library’s phone and online discussion programs for seniors.