Now @ MPL...

Tired of those unreliable floppies that never seem to work
and can only hold a tiny amount of information?? Then......

Purchase a Milwaukee Public
Library USB drive today for $10 and get as much memory in just one
256mb USB drive as you do in 180 floppy disks!
The MPL USB drive can be used on library computers to store
documents, photos, musical files and more.

Available at all MPL circulation desks

Good news! The Central Library now has 17 additional Internet Terminals available on weekday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Whether you're conducting research or surfing the Internet, come on up to the 2nd floor Training Room for a two hour session. See you there!

Fill in some of those gaps on your family tree at the open lab for using Ancestry Library Edition, a powerful tool for genealogists.

(Waldburg family tree)

The open labs take place on the following Saturdays: October 27, November 17, and December 15, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. This is a free service and it requires no advance registration. Simply go to the Central Library's computer lab, on the 2nd floor, and prepare to delve deeply into your family's history. A staff member will be on hand to answer questions about using this powerful database which gives you access to billions of names in almost as many different types of records.

Milwaukee Public Library also offers access to other Genealogy tools online. Additional questions may be answered by calling the dedicated staff at the Humanities desk at (414) 286-3061.

Need Help Getting a Job Online? A job trainer speicialist with help you learn how to:

-Complete online job applications
-Write a resume online
-Search online job listings
-Obtain a free e-mail account.

Every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. -- No Appointment Necessary

Come to the Central Library's Computer Training Lab on the 2nd Floor.

Work on your resume or online job application on Tuesday afternoons or Thursday evenings. Staff will be available to help with resume hints and assist in creating e-mail accounts and passwords for online job applications. Tuesdays at 1:30pm and Thursdays at 5:30pm, June through August. Center Street Library is funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Community Development Grants Administration (CDGA) City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Center Street Library
2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53210 (414) 286-3090
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday & Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Closed Saturdays June through August)

Microsoft has introduced its 2007 version of Microsoft Office. At this point MPL is still on an older version of Microsoft Office, so any documents saved in Office 2007 will not open on library computers.

All hope is not lost, however! The website www.zamzar.com that will convert your documents from Office 2007 to a format readable on MPL computers for free. It does take a little time and an email address, but you can usually get your converted document back in about 20 minutes, and then you will be able to use it on the library computers.

The Milwaukee Public Library's very popular series of computer classes is starting up again at the end of January. The series starts with the most basic computer skills, and each class builds on the one before it for seven weeks.

The classes are:
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Internet Search Tools
Email Basics
Intro to Word Processing
Intro to Spreadsheets
Intro to Powerpoint

The classes do require pre-registration. Registration opens January 2, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. Starting at 9:00 a.m. the librarians at Ready Reference can register individuals over the phone at (414) 286-3011. Registration can also be done over the internet from the Events Calendar.

Computer Classes will be offered again for Summer 08'.
Classes will start in June and July.
Registration begins Monday, May 19.

Talk to your local librarian for more information. Classes are funded by Northwestern Mutual Life.

Computer classes start again
The Milwaukee Public Library's very popular series of computer classes is starting up again in the beginning of September. The series starts with the most basic computer skills, and each class builds on the one before it for seven weeks.

The classes are:
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Internet Search Tools
Email Basics
Intro to Word Processing
Intro to Spreadsheets
Intro to Powerpoint

The classes do require pre-registration. Registration opens August 25th at 8:00 a.m. Starting at 9:00 a.m. the librarians at Ready Reference can register individuals over the phone at (414) 286-3011. Registration can also be done over the internet from the Events Calendar.

In the month of December, eight MPL branch libraries will be offering sessions from Generations on Line , an organization dedicated to promoting Internet access and literacy to elders. Seniors and caregivers will learn how to use the Internet in three easy clicks with the help of trained senior volunteer coaches. Using the skills learned in the session, attendees will be able to enroll in the Medicare Drug plan, access online information, send email to family and friends, and more.

Sessions will be held:

Monday, December 1st at Mill Road Library at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 3rd at Capitol Library at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 6th at Atkinson Library at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, December 8th at East Library at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 10th at Zablocki Library at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 10th at Washington Park Library at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, December 15th at Bay View Library at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 17th at Tippecanoe Library at 10:00 a.m.

Advanced registration is recommended by calling your local library; walk-ins are welcome if space allows.

MPL's next session of free computer classes will be starting the week of January 26, 2009. Made possible with funds from Northwestern Mutual Foundation, this series of seven classes includes Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Internet Search Tools, Email Basics, Intro to Word Processing, Intro to Spreadsheets, and Intro to Power Point.

Class registration begins Monday, January 12. To register, call your local library or Ready Reference at 286-3011. Space is limited, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available (except at Bay View and Zablocki libraries).

MPL's next session of free computer classes will be starting the week of June 2nd. Made possible with funds from Northwestern Mutual Foundation, this series of seven classes includes Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Internet Search Tools, Email Basics, Intro to Word Processing, Intro to Spreadsheets, and Intro to Power Point.

Class registration begins Monday, May 18th. To register, call your local library or Ready Reference at 286-3011. Space is limited, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available (except at Bay View and Zablocki libraries).

Visit any Milwaukee Public Library to sign up beginning May 18. Receive a FREE 5” mini sub coupon from Cousins Subs just for signing up. Receive a reading log to track your reading and visits to the library. Keep reading to earn a Super Reader backback or Super Reader penguin Beanie Baby, a Super Reader yard sign, a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut and free apple fries from Burger King. Plus coupons for free admission to fun places around town.

Enter our Grand Prize drawings for an on-field recognition ceremony at a Milwaukee Brewers game, a family fourpack to a Milwaukee Brewers game, a Bucks VIP package, a family four-pack to the Bristol Renaissance Faire and a family membership to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Visit any Milwaukee Public Library or log on to www.mpl.org/SummerReading for full details.

Two computer workstations at Central Library provide access to library patrons with physical disabilities.

The stations include software and assistive technology devices set up for magnifying print, controlling a cursor using slight finger movements, and print/ electronic material converted into text that can be read aloud.

If you are are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, have low vision, mobility limitations (including carpal tunnel and arthritis) or learning disabilities, you may sign up to use these computers at the Central Library Information Services Desk. Reservations can be made up to a week in advance by calling 414-286-3017. TDD: 286-3062. Valid identification is required at the time of use.

The Milwaukee Public Library is launching its latest digital collection: Milwaukee Mayors.

This collection includes photos or drawings of all but one of Milwaukee mayors, past and present. A biographical sketch of each mayor is also included. This is a great way to see what the leaders of the City of Milwaukee looked like, and also earn a little about them.

Most of the information, and many of the images for this collection come from the book Biographical sketches of the mayors of the City of Milwaukee, a volume of images and information put together by MPL's staff over the years.

Additional photos were pulled from the Humanities Department's Historic Portrait Collection, which has portraits of many prominent Milwaukee citizens and visitors.

The Milwaukee Public Library's very popular series of computer classes is starting up again at the beginning of September. The series starts with the most basic computer skills, and each class builds on the one before it for seven weeks.

The classes are:
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Internet Search Tools
Email Basics
Intro to Word Processing
Intro to Spreadsheets
Intro to Powerpoint

The classes do require pre-registration. Registration opens August 24th, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Starting at 9:00 a.m. the librarians at Ready Reference can register individuals over the phone at (414) 286-3011. Starting August 24th, registration can also be done via the internet from the Events Calendar.

Out of work? Need help getting a job online?

18 libraries in Milwaukee County will be hosting a job specialist who can help you
learn to:

~ Complete online job applications.
~ Write a resume online.
~ Search online job listings.
~ Obtain a free e-mail account.

Six neighborhood MPL libraries will be hosting this job specialist for a full 16 weeks (August 16th through December 7th). To find out when and where to get help, click here.

This program is funded through a Library Services and Technology Acts (LSTA) grant, courtesy of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System.

MPL also offers free drop-in job and resume help at its Center Street, Central, and Forest Home locations (the latter for Spanish speakers). For a complete list of similar assistance in Milwaukee, click here.

President Obama has proclaimed October as National Information Literacy Awareness Month. In our time of twenty-four hour television news and Internet content, the skills necessary to find and evaluate authoritative information is more critical than ever before. The MPL home page is a good place to start for finding credible information. So if you find yourself overwhelmed by information overload, contact your local Milwaukee Public Library for tips on how to separate the facts from the fiction.

Effective Wednesday, November 4th, 2009, the way people sign on to MPL's public access computers will be changing slightly. Where it used to be the last two digits of the birth year, going forward it will now be the same as the password that is used to view your own patron record.

To create your password click here. Simply enter your library card number and click on the submit button. If you have no previous password you will be prompted to create one. If you have forgotten your password a librarian can reset it for you so that you can create a new one.

The password can be created or reset from home or at your local neighborhood library.

This password will not only get you logged onto MPL's internet computers, but it will also allow you to access your own patron record. From your patron record you can track what books you have checked out or on hold.

The Milwaukee Public Library's very popular series of computer classes is starting up again at the end of January. The series starts with the most basic computer skills, and each class builds on the one before it for seven weeks.

The classes are:
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Internet Search Tools
Email Basics
Intro to Word Processing
Intro to Spreadsheets
Intro to Powerpoint

The classes do require pre-registration. Registration opens January 11th, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. Starting at 10:00 a.m. the librarians at Ready Reference can register individuals over the phone at (414) 286-3011. Starting January 11th, registration can also be done via the internet from the Events Calendar.

Need help creating a resume or filing out an online job application? Stop by one of our drop-in job help workshops! This program, funded through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant and made possible with funds from Northwestern Mutual Foundation, provides assistance to individuals searching for jobs. A job trainer specialist is available to help you learn how to complete online job applications, write a resume online, search online job listings and obtain a free e-mail account. Drop -in job help is available at:
Central Library : Tuesdays 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Fridays 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m., and Saturdays 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Atkinson Library: Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m.
Bay View Library: Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Forest Home Library: Monday 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King:Monday 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.

MPL has just unveiled its latest digital collection. Wagons of Milwaukee Businesses is a collection based on the photo album of the same name.

For this digital collection all 37 photos in the album were scanned, researched, and added to MPL's current stable of digital collections.

The Wagons of Milwaukee Businesses album came to the library from the estate of Theo. Habhegger, a Milwaukee manufacturer of short turn wagons. The album itself consists of 37 sepia-toned photographs of wagons, mostly belonging to various Milwaukee area businesses, from the early 20th century. The businesses represented by the wagons include dairies, groceries, florists, and more. These photos are a wonderful representation of an era of transportation before automobiles became commonplace in Milwaukee.

Check out this and other MPL digital collections.

On May 3, 1978, the first unsolicited bulk email, or "spam", was sent by a Digital Equipment Corporation marketing representative to every ARPANET address on the west coast of the United States. ARPANET was a Department of Defense network, and the predecessor of the internet. Although it was not referred to as "spam" at the time, this event preceded the arrival of trillions of spam messages in email inboxes around the world. You can read more current articles about spam on the website CNET. The link to this site is also available through MPL's website.
If you would like to read more about the historical aspects of this infamous computer concept, try reading Brian McWilliams Spam Kings.

In late 2009, MPL applied for and received an LSTA grant to digitize 2,900 photographs from the Historic Photo Collection. These photos deal with Milwaukee's historic business and industry.

Since January of 2010, work has been moving forward in the addition of these photos to Milwaukee Historic Photos, MPL's largest and most extensive digital collection. The collection began the year with 1,176 records and is now up to 2,284 records. That is an addition of 1,108 records to date which puts the project over one third of its way to completion.

Photos in new areas that have been added include:
Airports
Banks
Beer Gardens
Breweries
Conventions
Garages
Theaters

Also included have been Business & Industry letters A, B, and C.

Throughout the rest of 2010 the remaining 1,792 photos will be added to the collection so make sure to keep checking back for new additions.

MPL's summer session of free computer classes begins the week of July 12.

Every library location will offer a series of seven classes that includes Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Internet Search Tools, Email Basics, Intro to Word Processing, Intro to Spreadsheets, and Intro to Power Point.

Registration begins Monday, June 21. Please call (414) 286-3011 to register.

The Milwaukee Public Library proudly presents its two latest digital collections: the Horace Seaman Wisconsin Infantry collection and the Milwaukee County Marriage Certificates.
The Horace Seaman Wisconsin Infantry collection is comprised of 127 images from Colonel Horace M. Seaman. Most of the photos are of the 3rd and 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry units that served in the Spanish-American War. A number of the photos are from Colonel Seaman's service in the Wisconsin National Guard. A few personal photos of Colonel Seaman's father are also included.

Milwaukee County Marriage Certificates is a collection of 20,000 marriage records and certificates from Milwaukee for the years 1822 through 1876. The records were discovered in the 1960s in a box at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. The box also included some miscellaneous documents pertaining to the marriage such as permission to marry slips, authorizations, and land deeds. Many of these documents were not in very good condition. Research by the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society (MCGS) indicates that most of these certificates are not recorded at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Some of the records appear in the Wisconsin Pre-1907 Marriage Index and some do not, as such these records are a significant addition to Milwaukee genealogy resources.

In 1999 the MCGS arranged to have the records refilmed, adding location citations. In 2000 MCGS volunteers created alphabetical indexes for bride and for groom. Roger Cobb with Lois Molitor acted as project coordinators. Over 42,000 names were put into the database that produced the indexes. Unfortunately, the original copies that were filmed in 1966 have vanished. In 2009 the microfilm copy of the marriage certificates was digitized. The digital images of the certificated were combined with the index created by the MCGS to produce this digital collection.

Are you thinking about college, but feel intimidated by the admissions process? Then come to the College Application Fair at the Center Street Library on Saturday, November 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. COMPASS guide advisors will be available to explain the application and admissions process, as well as give individualized help to students with the application process. Computers will be set aside for students to complete applications. Advisors will be on hand to assist undecided students with choosing a college or university.

If you have any questions about this program, or for more information, call (414)28-3011.

Did you know that Access NewspaperARCHIVE of Badgerlink recently updated their website? Besides being the largest online newspaper archive, NewspaperARCHIVE is easier to use with new search tabs and one click access to newspaper articles detailing historic events. The tabs at the top of the screen include the capability to browse and "Ask a librarian" as well as search. The search capability is also expanded with the ability to conduct a name search. You can access a variety of news articles covering famous historic events as they happened by clicking the links on the front page. Coverage includes all of the United States and some select countries.

With MPL's new Instant Messaging (IM) service, it's easier than ever to connect with the Milwaukee Public Library! You can IM the Milwaukee Public Library simply by typing your question into the chat box on the "IM the Library" page.

The new IM service is available:

Monday-Tuesday: 10 a.m. -8 p.m.
Wednesday-Saturday: 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Take advantage of the newest service MPL has to offer! Ask us a question today!

The Milwaukee Public LIbrary presents Virtual Memories: Organizing and Digitizing Your Photos on Saturday, May 7th, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This program is aimed at those who are scanning their home photos to preserve their old memories or using their digital camera to capture new memories.

The library's Digital Projects Librarian will share tips and tricks about the basics of wrangling your digital image files into some semblance of order, also covered will be best practices for scanning physical images. Additionally the basics of photo editing and posting photos online using free services from the internet will be discussed.

This program is an informational session, not a hands-on workshop.

Virtual Memories: Organizing and Digitizing Your Photos
Date: 5/7/2011
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 2:00 PM
Library: Central
Location: Meeting Room 1

It's time for MPL's summer session of free computer classes. Classes begin the week of July 11th and end the week of August 22nd.

Each library location will offer a series of seven classes including Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Internet Search Tools, Email Basics, Intro to Word Processing, Intro to Spreadsheets and Intro to PowerPoint.

More than ever, kids rely on the internet to provide access to information for research, homework help, and entertainment. You can help ensure that your child is safely surfing for kid-friendly and computer-safe content by having them attend Web S.T.A.R.S.(Safety Training and Responsible Surfing). This class teaches kids ages 6-12 how to safely navigate the World Wide Web.

Classes will be offered throughout the month of September.

Forest Home - September 12, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

Mill Road - September 13, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

Washington Park - September 15, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King - September 19, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

Center Street - September 20, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

Atkinson - September 21, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

There is no need to register for these classes. For more information, call (414)286-3011.

Beginning today, the library has open registration for our free computer classes. If you or someone you know has struggled with the basics of internet searching, setting up web based email, or using the Microsoft Office suite, please take advantage of the library's numerous locations that offer free classes for beginners. Enrollment is limited, and registration is already in progress. Call the library's Ready Reference hotline at (414) 286-3011 to register today!

With the vast amount of medical information on the internet, people are more involved in making health care decisions than ever. However, finding accurate medical information on the internet can be challenging. Websites that look authoritative may have misinformation. In order to make the most informed choices for yourself and your loved ones, accurate medical information can be vital.

On Monday, October 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Central Library on the 2nd floor computer training room, a representative from the National Library of Medicine will demonstrate how to use Medline Plus. Medline Plus is a free resource for high quality consumer health information.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (414)286-3011.

Were you lucky enough to receive an eReader, Kindle or iPad for Christmas this year and you need to know how to borrow downloadable media? Or maybe you would like to know how to borrow downloadable media for your home PC or Mac? If so, come to East library on February 18 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. for an informative workshop on how to borrow downloadable media through the library.

This event is open to adults and teens. No registration is required. For more information, please call (414)286-3011.

Registration begins today for Milwaukee Public Library's July-August 2012 Free Computer Classes! With knowledgeable instructors and hands-on experience MPL's computer classes are perfect for those with little to no computer experience as well as those looking to learn more about Microsoft Word and Excel by taking our Intermediate classes.
Space is limited so call 414-286-3011 today to reserve your seat. You can also register in person at any Milwaukee Public Library location or online at www.mpl.org.

Sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation and American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Award 55-42B10549.