Downloadable videos are here!

With a broadband connection to the Internet, Babcock Library cardholders can now download selected videos from the Internet! The service is called MyLibrarydv, and thanks to Jean Jakoboski the link to it is now on our library homepage.

The 6-month pilot project will show us whether you're interested in downloading vintage TV programs and movies to your computer for viewing. It's also possible to connect your computer to a TV screen to view the videos. For help with this and answers to other questions, see the link on our homepage called "Have questions? Need help? Click here MyLibrarydv."

If the service is successful, we'll consider extending the service and adding more recent features. Please let us know what you think of this idea.

New Computers & Software

If you notice faster response at the public computers, it’s because we’ve replaced our old file server with a newer, faster model, and we’ve replaced the two oldest public computers with new ones. Three other older computers have been replaced too: one used by staff at the Circulation Desk, and the two computers for children behind the Circulation Desk. Look for some new monitors very soon.

The 5 computers near the copy machine are all equipped with Microsoft Office 2007. This means you have Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Publisher at the machines for your use.

Closed for the Weather

Due to treacherous weather and road conditions, the Babcock Library will be closed on Wednesday, February 14, 2007. The library will reopen for business as usual on Friday, February 16.

Computer Class for Beginners

Computers 101: Computers for Beginners will meet Saturday, March 10, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. till noon. This is the perfect class for computer beginners or those with limited skills. Instructor Sheila Siegel will show you what a computer can do (send e-mail, write a letter, keep a budget, help with research) and what it can’t do (it doesn’t “think” for itself, it can’t walk the dog or vacuum the rug!). You’ll learn in a fun and enjoyable way the parts of the computer in laymen’s terms, how to use a mouse and how to adjust your computer for your maximum comfort and ease of use. If time allows, we will briefly explore the basics of e-mail. Space is limited, so you will want to call or e-mail to reserve a space. You can reach us at 860-487-4420 or librarian@babcocklibrary.org. See you there!

File Server Upgrade

Great library service is a combination of things you can see, like knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, books, computers and other physical materials, the facility itself, and things you can't see. The Babcock Library has upgraded one of the things you can't see: the library's computer file server. Thanks to the good folks at Computer Tamers, the library's computers are now connected to a server donated to the library by the Town of Ashford. Though not brand new, the server is a distinct improvement over what we had before. We've also added 5 more Microsoft site licenses. All of this will mean faster PC boot-up and response from the public access computers. We have some new computers on order as well; watch for another announcement when they've been installed at the library.

Mystery Book Discussion

Tuesday, February 13 the Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet at 2:00 p.m. at the library to discuss Quiet as a Nun by Antonia Fraser. The group will also decide what to read in future months. Treats and hot beverages will be furnished, and all are welcome.

Tax Forms

Yes, it's getting close to that time of year again! To help Ashford residents prepare their 2006 tax returns, the Babcock Library has federal and Connecticut state tax forms, schedules, and instructions on hand. We also have a CD of Federal forms for checkout. Some Connecticut forms are still not in, but we will help you print them out from the state's web site on our library computers.