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Janice

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New “Career Catalyst” Program Offers Technology Training and Career Development Tools

West Palm Beach, FL – October 10, 2010 – The West Palm Beach Public Library, in partnership with Workforce Alliance, announces a new program to assist local job seekers. The program, titled “Career Catalyst,” will provide increased access to online job search and career development resources. Career Catalyst has been funded through a grant provided under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives of Florida.

The West Palm Beach Public Library is dedicated to creating inspired lives by connecting people with information and ideas. The vision to reach out, inspire, and inform citizens is reflected in the Library’s commitment to provide access to state-of-the-art technology and programming relevant to the current community needs.

The West Palm Beach Public Library will offer interactive workshops, computer classes and seminars designed to provide job seekers with valuable skills and resources to
prepare them for successful career development. Online job preparation tutorials, practice exams for specific occupations, and other online tutorials and educational
courses will also be made available using state-of-the-art software learning programs. The library will also establish a core reference collection of Career Help and Technology Skills materials that will be available for use. Additionally, free bus passes to visit the Workforce Alliance’s Career Center will be provided to participants that have completed a series of workshops and seminars. The goal of the program is to provide additional outreach to residents who are building a career path or entering the workforce.

As part of the joint program, Workforce Alliance will train the library’s staff and volunteers to help library users find resources to research careers, create résumés, search for open positions throughout Florida and connect to local workforce experts.

Lisa Hathaway, Assistant Director of the West Palm Beach Public Library, said, “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to provide more in-depth programs designed for career development. The library’s partnership with Palm Beach County Workforce Alliance introduces an innovative approach to maximize library services that directly impact job seekers in our community.”

Those interested in obtaining additional information should contact the West Palm Beach Public Library, 561.868.7760 or visit www.mycitylibrary.org

Classes starting soon!

For the September Tech Talk, I tried to find sites that offered a variety of choices and weren’t the regular sites everyone always hears about. I hope you enjoy the sites and the activities they offer.

A.C. Moore  A.C. Moore is a specialty retailer offering a vast selection of arts, crafts and floral merchandise to a broad demographic of customers. They also have a great slogan, Dream it. Create it. Share it. There is only one A.C. Moore near West Palm Beach, but it seems well worth the drive.

Etsy  Etsy is a online marketplace. The website offers a plethora of  handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. These items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath & beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys. Individuals can also buy/sell their creations on the site.

Better Homes and Gardens Most people have seen Better Homes and Gardens magazine and know how much it offers in the realm of great ideas for decoration and home/garden accessories. You can get that online at their website and a page dedicated to all types of crafts. Click on the link above and get a look at all the tons of projects you can choose from.

Disney Family Fun We definitely couldn’t have art-n-crafts without mentioning Disney. They have been in the business of keeping kids happy and learning for decades. This Disney site is all about “Family Fun” and with that in mind have dozens of activities for families and small children. Take a look and share it with the family, I’m sure you all will be glad you did.

All Free Crafts As described on their site, All Free Crafts offers crafts, craft projects and patterns to make easy homemade gifts. The link above is specific to “Green Crafts”. I wanted to include this in the Tech Talk list because i know there are many eco-warriors out there nowadays and these crafts will appeal to them.

Lulu Lulu lets you lets you make, self-publish, print and sell print-on-demand books, e-books, photo books and calendars with free book publishing. This site is fun and empowers the user to also potentially have a side career with their crafts if they want.

Photovisi Photovisi is a free online collage maker. Its quick and easy and allows you to use templates, with 18 different choices to choose from to make your collages. The collages can be used as wallpapers, etc. No registration is required to use Photovisi.

SnapfishThis site allows you to create a personalized photo gift. You can make unique  gifts such as photo books, gifts for him & her, posters & more. Have a look around the site and see what you can use it to create for your family, friend or co-workers.

By LaShonda

Library services in the palm of your hand!

Thanks Tech Tonic for sharing the latest news from the West Palm Beach Public Library!

“Take the West Palm Beach Public Library in your pocket“

Go Mobile @ your City Library. Library services in the palm of your hand. You can access your library account, renew materials and place items on hold – all from the convenience of your smartphone. Just go to http://m.millie.wpbpl.com/ and bookmark the site.

Get in “touch” with your library services wherever – whenever.

Hey! West Palm Beach! Your City Library has got it going on.

( Jose Lambiet is a columnist at The Palm Beach Post.)

Okay, do you want to see some real stars? Check out the Star Gazer Exhibition at the West Palm Beach Waterfront Lake Pavilion from now until Sept. 19^th. The West Palm Beach Public Library will host a slideshow and lecture from Astrophotographer Robert Q. Fugate on September 11 at 1:30 pm.

If you can’t get to our beautiful city, then take a virtual tour of space with either Google Earth or Microsoft’s Worldwide Telescope. Not only will you see stars, but galaxies, nebulas and more! It’s easy to lose track of time clicking around in space – let technology take you there!

~ Janet

Ten Apps That Can Make You More Productive | PCMag.com.

Janice