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We're challenging you to READ All SUMMER Get started on June 1st through July 13th The annual summer reading challenge is for children, teens, and adults is coming your way soon. Just a few reasons to join: - Win prizes and get cool free stuff.
- The Library is a fun, safe, free and air-conditioned space with day, evening and weekend hours.
- Special, free entertainment is happening in June and July including Incredible Bats and Exotic Animal Shows.
- Children who read during the summer avoid the "summer reading slide" - research shows that children will increase their chances of maintaining or even increasing their reading levels.
- Parents and grandparents who join the reading challenge are models for literacy in their homes
Mark your calendars now for the Kick-Off Events at each of our branch libraries. Free ice cream and lots of fun! Crest Hill Branch Kickoff the Summer Reading Challenge with ice cream, games, and a fun community art project in our very own backyard! Wednesday, June 6 4:00 - 8:00 pm Lockport Branch Escape! discover your summer adventure at the library. Kick Off the summer with an Ice Cream Social at the Library! Tuesday, June 5 1:00 - 3:00 pm and 6:00 - 7:00 pm Romeoville Branch Celebrate the kick off to our Summer Reading Challenge with a showing of the Pixar movie "Coco." Bring a blanket to spread out and get comfy, enjoy an ice cream sundae and maybe even win a free "Coco" themed book. Families and children of all ages are welcome. Tuesday, June 5 6:00 - 7:30 pm Enjoy Special Programs from Snakes to Bats
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Coal Black Exotics We’re getting up close with many different types of reptiles. A fun and educational program for the entire family. You'll get to touch many of the reptiles. Wednesday, June 20 6:30 - 7:30 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW Monday, June 25 6:30 - 7:30 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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Incredible Bats Discover the many benefits of bats - creatures who are often misunderstood and feared. You'll get to meet live Egyptian Fruit Bats and African Straw-Colored Fruit Bats. Wednesday, July 11 6:30 - 7:30 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW Monday, June 11 7:00 - 8:00 pm
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Saturday, June 16, 2018 - Old Canal Days (Lockport Branch only) Sunday, June 17, 2018 - Old Canal Days (Lockport Branch only)
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My Library Rewards - Reward yourself!
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Your White Oak Library District card already gives you free access to books, movies, music, video games, and more. But it just became an even better bargain. Start earning discounts on food, recreation, gym memberships, and more by just checking out books, videos and other items from any of our three branches with My Library Rewards! You can also earn points by attending library programs!
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From Prairie to Farm to City: Music to Commemorate Illinois's Bicentennial The music performed by singer and hammered dulcimer player Phil Passen reflects the story of Illinois, which has been shaped not only by its land and natural features – the prairies, lakes, and rivers – but also by the many cultures that have flourished here: those of Native Americans, French, Germans, African Americans, Latin Americans and numerous others. Songs of the Underground Railroad, which ran through Illinois, will also be featured. So will selections representing farmers, workers, labor struggles, disasters, and tragedies, as well as a few blues and rock-and-roll songs. Passen will provide commentary about the histories of the selections and the contexts in which they have been sung and played in Illinois. This will be an informative and entertaining look at Illinois, its history and its people. The word dulcimer means “beautiful song.” Audiences are fascinated by the uncommon, trapezoidal-shaped hammered dulcimer. In recognition of Illinois achieving statehood on December 3, 1818, we are celebrating the bicentennial. Saturday, June 9 1:00 - 2:00 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW
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Fermilab: Bringing the World Together to Solve Nature's Mysteries Come Celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial with a lecture from Katie Yurkewicz, Ph.D, Communication Director at Fermilab. She will be talking about Fermilab, America’s particle physics and accelerator laboratory located in Chicago’s western suburbs. Fermilab has been an international hub for research on matter, energy, space, and time for more than 50 years. Learn about the lab’s history, its current science and technology program, and a new flagship science experiment under construction with partners from over 30 countries. Wednesday, June 13 6:30 - 7:30 pm Lockport Branch REGISTER NOW
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Book Buzz - Penguin Random House Penguin Random House will give readers the buzz on exciting new titles being published this summer! A FREE book sampler, book catalog and canvas book tote bag will be available for all attendees. Several books will be raffled off and light refreshments will be served. Thursday, June 14 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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Ten People from Illinois Who Changed History (Besides Abraham Lincoln) You probably know Abraham Lincoln lived part of his life in Illinois, but did you know that Walt Disney, Betty Freidan, and Charles Walgreen also called the Prairie State home? Join historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., for this illustrated lecture commemorating the state’s 2018 bicentennial. We’ll look at ten intriguing people from Illinois, including heads of state, news makers, inventors, and others. They are all from Illinois -- and they all changed the world. Wednesday, June 27 6:00 - 8:00 pmCrest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW
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Escape from Debt Debt comes in many forms - credit card, car loans, student loans, mortgages, personal loans, and more. Learn techniques to help you manage your debts. Thursday, June 21 7:00 - 8:00 pm
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Dating Over 50 - Have Fun, Be Safe Join us on the last Friday of every month for a 6-month series. Dating at any age can be daunting, but even more so for those of us over 50. We will share tips on dating, dating apps, and safety tips while enjoying a glass of wine (or coffee) and conversation. Maybe you'll meet your next date at our event! The group will continue the conversation at a local restaurant following the event. Friday, June 29 5:30 - 7:00 pm Romeoville Branch
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Top Travel Apps for Summer Whether it’s tighter security for air travel or congestion on freeways, travel can be stressful. The good news is you’re likely carrying a smartphone with you. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or planning to fly, there are countless travel-related iOS and Android apps to make your trip go more smoothly. At this presentation, you will learn about some of the more popular ones. Wednesday, June 6 6:00 - 7:00 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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Epic Mountain Bike Ride in Nepal Renee Thakali, a member of the Joliet Bicycle Club, will talk about her adventures on a mountain bike ride through Nepal. Q&A session to follow. For adults and teens. Tuesday, June 19 6:30 - 8:00 pm
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Discover BelgiumBelgium - it's more than chocolate and beer! Scott and Sandi Pointon will take you on a virtual tour of Belgium, highlighting fun cultural aspects of the country in this powerpoint presentation! Some cities we will visit are Brugge, Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels.Thursday, June 14 6:00 - 8:00 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW
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The Library is pleased to host unLOCK artist John McDavitt as he executes "Lockport by Lockport", a mural that captures the history of Lockport, painted in part with the assistance of community members. Here's your chance to connect with the city's rich cultural history--just sign up for a 15-minute "community paint" time during the month of June at the Lockport Library. Call 815-552-4265 to reserve a time or sign up at the Library. John welcomes adults, teens, and children accompanied by an adult. Families with children should sign up for one time slot. Must be 14+ to sign up without an adult. Mondays between 1:00 and 3:00 pm Tuesdays between 6:00 and 8:00 pm Thursdays between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Saturday June 9- between 10:00 am & Noon
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Lockport Poetry Project WorkshopThe Lockport Poetry Project Returns to the Library. In this poetry-writing workshop, we will focus on the many ways poetry can be presented as public art, and continue writing poems inspired by the history and culture of Lockport. The Lockport Poetry Project is part of unLOCK: Merging Arts and Industry in Downtown Lockport. All ages are welcome; 10 years and under accompanied by a parent or guardian please. Saturday, June 30 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Lockport Branch
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Learn About Spanish Language and CultureKids in or going into grade K-5 have an exciting opportunity -immerse yourselves in a new culture and language this summer! AP Spanish Language and Culture students from Lockport Township High School will provide free tutoring to kids who would like to learn about the Spanish and language and culture, or even for kids who would like to brush up on what they already know. Lessons will focus on the family and family life where you will practice speaking, reading, and writing in the Spanish language. Crest Hill Branch -- 4:30 - 5:30 pm Students are encouraged to attend all eight sessions: Mondays
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ESL Conversation Groups A nice group where you can practice speaking and listening to English. For adults whose first language is not English. We meet weekly with other multi-lingual adults and English-speaking instructors. Our groups are lead by trained English as a Second Language instructors and tutors. Everyone is welcome. Crest Hill Branch Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:30 pm Lockport Branch - No registration Thursdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 1:00 PM - 2:00 pm Romeoville Branch - No registration Thursdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 6:30 - 7:30 pm
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Town Hall Meeting with State Representative John Connor Please join State Representative John Connor for a town hall meeting to discuss legislative updates from Springfield, as well as the state and local issues that matter most to you. Monday, June 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm Lockport Branch
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TRIAD Speaker Series The Will County Sheriff's TRIAD for Seniors works to improve the quality of life for seniors by providing an opportunity for the exchange of information between law enforcement and older individuals. The Will County Sheriff partners with local law enforcement in Crest Hill, Lockport, and Romeoville, along with the Lockport Park District, the White Oak Library District, and AARP. This month's presentation will be : Pre-planning Your Funeral. A representative from O'Neil Funeral Home will offer valuable assistance on this important topic. Pre-planning arrangements can take some of the logistical and financial stresses off of your family after your death, and ensure that you get the kind of funeral you want. That said, don’t feel pressured to plan it down to the last detail. While some have no problem planning their own funeral, it’s understandable if you find it too difficult or overwhelming. However, you can still let your family know a few aspects to make it much smoother for everyone involved. We'll be offering coffee and donuts, plus a welcoming, supportive environment for seniors. Thursday, June 21 - Program begins at 9:00 am Crest Hill Branch -- No registration needed
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Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Pantry Visit Are you hungry? If you don't have enough to eat, Northern Illinois Food Bank's Mobile Pantry can help. Nutritious food is distributed for free to low-income neighbors in need, and it is distributed on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. No residency requirements. Please bring your own bags and boxes. Items will be distributed in the Library parking lot. Monday, June 11 4:00 - 6:00 pm Romeoville Branch
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ShareFest ShareFest is a community event to assist our neighbors and brings together volunteers and organizations to help those in need throughout the Will County area. From 10:00 am - Noon -- we will have clothes, books, and home goods available for visitors. Representatives from VNA Health Care will be on hand to provide health screenings and information. Integrity Staffing will be here with job offerings to interested attendees
From Noon - 2:00 pm the Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Pantry will be in our parking lot with food items for our neighbors in need. Please remember to bring boxes or bags to transport your selections. Visit the ShareFest website to learn more about this organization. Tuesday, June 19 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Romeoville Branch
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Sit & Stay Fit Chair Exercises Improve flexibility, bone strength, circulation, heart health, and stability all while sitting down! We will take it nice and easy in this exercise program, as we gently guide you through simple movements that will loosen up your joints and muscles. Crest Hill Branch 10:30 - 11:30 am Wednesday, June 6 REGISTER NOWWednesday, June 13 REGISTER NOW
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Medicare Seminar with Futurity First Healthcare is among the largest expenses in retirement, but making smart decisions about Medicare coverage early can help with costs down the road. Get your questions answered by a Futurity First expert. Romeoville Branch Saturday, June 23 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
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Healthcare Options in Retirement Wondering about your health care options in retirement? Do you want to learn more about Medicare, health care plan pricing and factors that may affect the cost of your health care plan? A representative from First American Bank will offer this timely "Money Smart Week" presentation. Tuesday, June 12 6:00 - 7:30 pm
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Preventing FallsLearn how you can reduce your risk of falling and protect your older loved ones from a serious fall. Falls are costly, in dollars and in quality of life, but falling is not an inevitable part of aging. A Humana representative will help us learn practical lifestyle adjustments that can substantially reduce the number of falls. Wednesday, June 13 6:30 - 7:30 pm Romeoville Library REGISTER NOW
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Creative Writing Group Explore your creative writing skills in the company of other writers. Receive valuable support and participate in writing exercises. All levels are welcome. Wednesday, June 6 7:00 - 8:00 pm Romeoville Branch
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Hooks, Needles, and More Bring your needlework or other craft projects, and sit back and enjoy chatting and sharing skills with other "crafters." Lockport Branch (Please register if this is your first time attending)Wednesday, June 6 6:30 - 8:00 pm REGISTER NOW Romeoville Branch Saturday, June 9 1:00 - 2:30 pm REGISTER NOW
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Craft Buffet Do you ever wonder what we do with all the leftover materials from our library crafts? Now is your chance to find out. We are cleaning out the craft closet and setting up a Craft Buffet! So, stop by, grab a project and make something! Sorry, this is not a craft giveaway program. Teens are welcomed when accompanied by an adult. Saturday, June 9 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
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Summer Crafts Extravaganza! Move freely through a variety of craft stations to make sunny Summer Crafts. Each station includes a different Summer themed craft item. Move freely through a variety of craft stations to make sunny Summer Crafts. Each station includes a different Summer themed craft. Thursday, June 21 5:30 - 7:30 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW
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Create by Coloring Choose from a selection of popular coloring designs, and have fun creating your own artwork with color pencils or markers. A great way to relax and eliminate stress! Serving light refreshments. For Adults & Teens. Wednesday, June 27 6:30 - 8:00 pm Wednesday, June 13 6:30 - 8:00 pm
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Stop Motion Animation Mini Camp for Tweens Our Library mini-camp will teach tweens to create stop motion animation using apps. The program takes place for an hour over 5 consecutive days. Lockport Branch - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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Monday Movie Matinee @ Lockport Branch Enjoy snacks and refreshments while watching Wonder (PG) based on the novel by R.J. Palacio. Monday, June 11 12:30 - 3:00 pm Lockport Branch We're watching the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's (NR) based on the novella by Truman Capote. Monday, June 25 12:30 - 3:00 pm Lockport Branch
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Trivia Night We're bringing back a patron favorite on a monthly basis! Make sure you set aside the last Thursday of the month for Trivia Night at the Crest Hill Branch Library! Sponsored by Giovan's Pizzeria & Restaurant, munch on appetizers and enjoy adult beverage while your team of four or fewer answer trivia questions to win a prize. This program is for adults. Thursday, June 28 6:30 - 8:00 pm
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Pokemon League Gotta catch'em all at our Official Pokémon® League. Players can bring 60 cards to play, as well as a Nintendo DS/3DS to battle electronically. Open to all skill levels. Thursday, June 7 6:00 - 8:00 pm Crest Hill Branch No registration Thursday, June 28 6:00 - 8:00 pm Lockport Branch REGISTER NOW Pokemon Scavenger Hunt We're having a Pokemon hunt all over the first floor of the Library. Come and catch them all! Tuesday, June 12 6:30 - 7:30 pm Romeoville Branch No registration
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Tabletop Board Games Enjoy a night of tabletop board gaming at the Library! They'll be a wide assortment of classic, cooperative, and party games for avid board game fans and beginning board gamers alike. Stop by to learn new games or introduce the library to your own personal favorites. Beverages and snacks will be provided. This event is open for Teens, Adults, and Seniors. in the Library. Monday, June 18 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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LEGO® Club We'll provide the Lego® Bricks; you provide the creativity - for ages 6 and up. Crest Hill Branch Tuesday - June 5 4:30 - 5:30 pm No registration Lockport Branch Family Fun with LEGOs® A Saturday drop-in program for families! Bring all the kids! You'll each make a creation and we'll put it on display! Stop by anytime between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. - (6 years olds must be accompanied by an adult) Saturdays, June 2 & June 23 11:00 am - 2:00 pm No Registration Romeoville Branch Wednesdays - June 6, 13, 20, 27 4:00 - 5:00 pm No Registration
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Mischief Makers Mondays Have a case of the Mondays? We've got the cure! A different activity every Monday of the month! Lockport Branch - No Registration Monday, June 4 4:30 - 5:30 pm All About Art Monday, June 11 4:30 - 5:30 pm Making Music Monday, June 18 4:30 - 5:30 pm Exploring Our Earth Monday, June 25 4:30 - 5:30 pm Read to Me with Wonder
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Fancy Nancy Tea PartyOoh la la, Darling! You're invited to our Fancy Nancy Tea Party! What little girl (and big girl) doesn't love an afternoon tea party? We're having dainty snacks, and creating lovable crafts. Guests will play "fancy" games, dress up in costume jewelry. Don't forget to wear your finest tea party clothing. Thursday, June 21 1:00 - 2:30 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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Tweens After Hours Old Style Games Come join us for dinner and some old fashioned camp style games.
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Jump Start Jump Start is a program that promotes school readiness for children from ages 3 - 5. We will enhance children's cognitive, social, and emotional development. This learning environment will support growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social development. Romeoville Branch Tuesday, June 19 1:15 - 2:00 pm
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After Hours Teen Murder Mystery A murder has occurred in the Library! Can you discover the culprit? We'll be using our sleuthing skills and enjoying tasty snacks as we solve the crime. For teens in grades 7-12. Friday, June 29 5:00 - 7:00 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW
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Teen Quest Scavenger Hunt It's time to go on a quest! Apollo has stolen caduceus, Hermes staff that allows him to send messages to the gods of Olympus, and has hidden it somewhere in the library. Help Hermes find his caduceus in time to deliver a very important message to Zeus. Monday, June 25 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Teen Craft - Choose Your Own Adventure Book Jar Choose your own adventure with this book-themed craft! We will turn mason jars into decorative lanterns using literary symbols from the worlds of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, and Divergent. Create a memorable lantern you can light on those late summer nights. Ages 12 to 18. Monday, June 18 6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Teen Art Club - Comic Magnets Join other budding artists as we create beautiful art. We're creating comic themed magnets so you can "stick" your art all over! Wednesday, June 20 6:30 - 8:00 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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Microsoft PowerPoint (2010) Level 1 - Use this powerful tool to create attractive and eye-catching presentations. Learn the basics of this program, including creating slides, adding text and graphics, transitions, animations, and more. Basic computer skills are required and experience with other Microsoft Office programs is recommended. Tuesday, June 19 6:30 - 8:00 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW Microsoft PowerPoint (2010) Level 2 - This second Microsoft PowerPoint class will teach you how to enhance your presentations with drawings, tables, charts, and more. We will also cover adding audio and video content to your presentations for the full multimedia experience. Basic computer and PowerPoint skills are required, and experience with other Microsoft Office programs is highly recommended. Tuesday, June 26 6:30 - 8:00 pm Crest Hill Branch REGISTER NOW Microsoft Excel (2010) Basics - More and more companies are looking for employees who know a little something about Excel. Don't get left behind! Learn how to create spreadsheets, and open, close, save, and print files. We also talk about adding and editing data, as well as formatting your spreadsheet to make it look its best! This particular class will require basic computer, keyboard and mouse skills, as well as minimal experience or exposure to Microsoft Office products Wednesday, June 6 3:00 - 4:30 pm Lockport Branch REGISTER NOW Microsoft Excel (2010) Intermediate -This computer class builds on the material taught in Microsoft Excel (2010) Basics. Learn more about formulas and functions, filling cells, headers and footers, seeing separate parts of your spreadsheet, charts, printing spreadsheets and more. Basic computer and Excel skills are required. Wednesday, June 20 3:00 - 4:30 pm Lockport Branch REGISTER NOW Microsoft Excel (2010) Advanced - Enhance your Excel skills with this Microsoft Excel class. This computer class builds on the material taught in Microsoft Excel Levels 1 and 2. We will teach you about logical functions, named cells, graphics, advanced chart techniques, and more. Basic computer and Excel skills are required. Saturday, June 2 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW Microsoft Excel (2010) Expert Level - Including PivotTable and PivotChart This Microsoft Excel class will teach you to be true Excel expert. We will cover advanced charts, sorting and filtering, PivotTables and PivotCharts, and more. This particular class will require basic computer, keyboard and mouse skills, as well as previous experience with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet Saturday, June 30 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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Exploring Genealogical Databases Already know how to use Ancestry and FamilySearch? Now learn about other popular, extensive databases that you can use for free! This class will give an overview of the websites HeritageQuest, US GenWeb, Rootsweb, and the HathiTrust, and explore their most prominent genealogical research tools Wednesday, June 27 1:00 - 2:00 pm Romeoville Branch REGISTER NOW
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