The Library offers free workshops covering a wide range of computer topics.  Unless specified, all workshops are hands-on and are 90 minutes in length.  Classes are taught on PCs using Microsoft Windows 7 operating system and Microsoft Office 2010 software. You can view a full list of upcoming workshops in the calendar, or our bimonthly newsletter, Books & Beyond.

Computer Basics:  Explore desktop, basic taskbar features and control panel options on a Windows 7 PC.  

File Management Basics: Save and find files and create file folders on a Windows 7 PC.

Getting Started on the Web Part 1: Learn basic Internet terminology and skills.

Getting Started on the Web Part 2:  Navigate between web pages, do basic searches, and evaluate websites. 

Learning to Use Gmail:  Learn how to compose and send email messages and send attachments with your Gmail account.

Introduction to Word 2010:  Format, proof, print and save documents.

Do More with Word 2010: Set up page layouts, margins, columns and more.

Advanced Word 2010:  Use tables, charts and clipart. 

Mail Merge with Word 2010: Create letters, labels and more for mailing. 

Microsoft Word 2011 for Macs:  Learn the basics of word processing using Microsoft Word 2011 on a Mac computer.

Introduction to PowerPoint 2010:  Create, edit and save slides with text and images.

Do More with PowerPoint 2010:  Use transitions and animations. 

Introduction to Excel 2010: Learn simple formating and entering/ editing data.

Do More with Excel 2010:  Perform calculations and sort/ filter data. 

Introduction to Publisher 2010: Create custom materials such as flyers, newsletters and more. 

Create Greeting Cards with Publisher 2010:  Create simple cards using free clipart images or your own digital pictures. 
 

You Can't Google This: Financial Resources: Use Standard and Poor's NetAdvantage, Financial Ratings Series (formerly TheStreet.com) and Business Source Premier to manage you investments from your home computer (MGPL cardholders only) or in the Library. 

You Can't Google This: Genealogy Resources:  Use HeritageQuest, Ancestry Library Edition, and the Chicago Tribune to research your family history from your home computer (MGPL cardholders only) or in the Library. 

You Can't Google This: Health Resources:  Use Consumer Health Complete and Salem Health to research health information from your home computer (MGPL cardholders only) or in the Library. 

You Can't Google This: Newspapers and Magazines:  Use Press Display, Chicago Tribune, Consumer Reports, and other electronic resources to access magazine articles and newspapers from many countries from your home computer (MGPL cardholders only) or in the Library. 

Google Docs and Drive: Learn about this free web-based tool that allows you to create, share and store word processing documents.

Make Free Phone Calls Using Skype: Set up an account and learn how to make free voice and video calls over the Internet. 

Editing and Sharing Digital Photos: Crop, add text, and apply effects to digital photos; share them online. 

Create a Family Cookbook Website: Create a free Wordpress account to build a website and share recipes with your family and friends.

Lecture-Demo

Are You Smarter Than a Google Search?
A large number of search results doesn't always get you the right answer or help you find quality sources.  Learn how to rule the world of Google by improving your searching skills. 

Getting Started on Facebook: Set up an account and select privacy settings, find friends, and update your status.

Facebook Photos: Upload and organize photos on your Facebook account and learn about tagging.

Sharing Photos Online with Flickr: Learn how to upload, tag, and share you pictures online; select privacy settings.

Setting Up and Using LinkedIn: Set up an account and learn how to connect with other professionals. 

Getting Started on YouTube: Register for a YouTube account, learn how to search for videos, and upload your own videos. 

Twitter 101: Set up an account, select privacy settings and learn how to post tweets, and find people to follow. 

We offer a number of ways for you to learn about downloading free e-books and e-audiobooks with your MGPL card.  Attend one of the workshops listed below or check out our Downloadables webpage  for step by step instructions for your device or to sign up for a one-on-one tutorial. 

Downloading Libary E-Books: Access, select and download e-books for free using your library card.

Get to Know Your Kindle: Download free library e-books to your Kindle.

Get to Know Your Nook: Download free library e-books to your Nook. 

Intro to Digital Cameras:  Learn basic digital camera features and how to transfer photos to a computer.

Using Your iPad: Tips and Tricks:  Learn basic settings, accessing the Internet, and how to find, download and organize apps. 

There's an App for That:  There are many fun and useful apps for your smartphone or tablet!  Come in to hear about a few of our favorites and share some of your own. 

Scanning Photos, Documents and More:  Learn to use MGPL's scanner, which can digitalize documents, photos, negatives and slides.

Lecture-Demo

Introduction to Microsoft Windows 8:  Learn about Microsoft's latest operating system.  Get an overview of the new layout and see how to perform common tasks. 

Individual computer instruction is available on the topics listed below.  Register for these tutorials by filling out the Tutorial Request Form  or by calling the Reference Services Desk by 847-929-5101.

• Beginning Mouse: For those with little or no experience using a computer mouse.
• Setting Up a Email Account:  Register for a free email account from Google (Gmail).
• Online Library Catalog:  Learn how to search, place holds, review you account, and more with the Library's online catalog.
• English Language Learners Resources:  Learn about the Library's print and online resources that can be used to learn English, study for tests such as the GED or TOEFL, read newspapers in world languages, and more.

New to E-Books and E-Readers? Register for a one-on-one tutorial for help with your device.

LearningExpressLibrary:  Contains interactive tutorial courses covering popular software. Access from your home computer with your MGPL card or in the Library.

Mousercise: Tutorial for beginner mouse users.

GCF Free: Skill building excercises for a variety of technology topics.

Microsoft Office Tutorials: Video training for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.