Computer classes will begin at Cardington-Lincoln Public Library and Mount Gilead Public Library in November. They are part of a new state program to guide Ohioans in using technology. AmeriCorps volunteers are the “friendly, Online Guides” who are trained to help with using a computer, getting online and much more.

The Cardington library will begin with “Word Basics” on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. Mount Gilead Library will begin with “Basic Computers” on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. Individual instruction can also be scheduled for library patrons who have special interests.

Classes at both libraries will be taught by Instructor Melissa Kipp, who is an AmeriCorps volunteer for “Guiding Ohio Online.” This is a project of the State Library of Ohio through a grant provided by “Serve Ohio.”

Kipp taught classes at Cardington Public Library last year and Cardington Library Youth Service Librarian, Hillary Scholz said that Kipp is always very able and willing to help patrons with many different technology issues such with Nook and I phones as well as PCs and tablets.

The program is structured for rural libraries where technology help is less available and average incomes are low as determined by the reduced and free school lunch program.

Ohio is the first state to pilot this program. There are now 10 full-time library programs with 14 libraries participating. There are 21 libraries hosting part-time programs in Ohio. “Guiding Ohio Online” also has a match from the libraries. Mount Gilead Library Director, Mike Kirk said that both the Cardington and Mount Gilead libraries split the required $2,500 amount equally with each pitching in $1,250.

Kipp is appreciative of the welcome she has received in Morrow County. She said she’s made new friends and made many new connections. She grew up in Cincinnati and she and her husband, Justin lived in Marysville before she began working in Morrow County. Kipp is a graduate of Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics.

Mount Gilead Library Director Mike Kirk is pleased to have Kipp teach classes for Mount Gilead, “We’re glad we can tap into Melissa’s knowledge base to benefit library patrons,” Kirk said.

Kirk encourages people to see the complete schedule for classes on Facebook or the website for either the Mount Gilead or Cardington Public Library. Mount Gilead Library classes include Email Basics, Typing Basics, Staying Safe Online, and Windows 10. There are also special classes for: Shopping Online for Black Friday, Creating Resumes, Using eBooks and a class for Homeschoolers. Most classes are in the afternoon or evening, although individual appointments can also be made.

Cardington classes include Excel Basics, Publisher Basics, Word for Advanced Users, Power Point Basics, Excel Functions for Advanced users and Create a Holiday Newsletter. Patrons can also schedule appointments for individual time with Kipp in Cardington Library.

Kipp is in Cardington on Monday and Wednesday and Thursday 1/2 days. She is in Mount Gilead on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Detailed schedules for classes are also available at both libraries and online.

Cardington-Lincoln Public Library is at 128 E. Main St. in Cardington, 419-864-8181. Mount Gilead Public Library is at 41 E. High St. in Mount Gilead, 319-947-5866. Email: [email protected].

Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].

“Guiding Ohio Online” teacher Melissa Kipp shares a laugh with Mount Gilead Library patron Dan Banks who is working with his blog. Patrons may sign up for both individual instruction or classes at both the Mount Gilead and Cardington Libraries. // Sentinel Photo | Alberta Stojkovic
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/11/web1_DSCN7944.jpg“Guiding Ohio Online” teacher Melissa Kipp shares a laugh with Mount Gilead Library patron Dan Banks who is working with his blog. Patrons may sign up for both individual instruction or classes at both the Mount Gilead and Cardington Libraries. // Sentinel Photo | Alberta Stojkovic

By Alberta Stojkovic

for the Morrow County Sentinel