Between the Stacks: 1/15/2025

I was redoing my computer terms for our adult computer class at the Whitehall Community Library this week and was amazed at how many new terms were added. In this ever-changing world of technology, terminology is increasing almost daily. Keeping up with it is nearly as important as learning all of the new programs and gadgets. For our seniors, this radical change in lifestyles is difficult at best and devastating at worst for those who grew up with dial phones, no remotes for anything, and getting a live person on the line when they need help.

Our computer classes are designed for seniors just learning to explore the digital world and not wanting to be left out of email, online calls, and other means to communicate with their families. The classes are limited to five people at a time, so students can ask as many questions as they want and not feel like they are taking up everyone's time or asking silly questions. If you or someone you know is telling you, "I'm too stupid to use a computer" or "I could never understand all that technology stuff," please encourage them to sign up for a computer class. I hear those comments all the time, and the staff has been trained to stop, listen, and help our patrons learn that they, too, can be part of this online world. Isolation is a real problem for many seniors; being shut out of the internet just worsens it. The library is dedicated to teaching our seniors how to communicate in a digital world; please help us get the word out!

There will be no Friday programs the week of January 17th as the library will be short-staffed and there is no 21st Century program. Everything will be back to our usual chaos next week. The Kid's Quilting project is picking blocks and fabric for their next project. They completed wall hangings for Christmas and are now going to be working on table runners.

The Mystery Book Club meets on January 21 at 5 PM, and the History Book Club will meet on January 27th at 5 PM. We are beginning a new middle/high school history book club in February. Anyone interested may contact the library at 406-287-3763.

Homeschool Round-up starts on January 23 at 2 PM, and Makerspace will begin on January 30 at 2 PM. The two programs alternate weekly and are open to any sixth-grade or younger child.