Game Computers

For younger children, the two computers behind our circulation desk are now designated for computer games only. Games we have on hand for the two machines include Freddi Fish and the Case of The Missing Kelp Seeds, The Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean, MicroRacers, Freddi Fish 2 The Case of The Haunted Schoolhouse, Reader Rabbit's 1st Grade, and The Magic School Bus Explores Inside the Earth. We're always interested to learn what games you want on hand - feel free to let us know.

Catalog computer

For those who want to search Athena, our computerized library catalog, we now have a computer set up for that purpose and that purpose only. It's in the first study carrell in the adult section just around the corner from the circulation desk. Athena is also available on all five of the computers clustered near the audio books and movies, but if all of those are busy, you can still get to Athena on the catalog computer in the study carrell.

Playaways are here

The library has begun to collect book titles on Playaways. These are small self-playing audio books. With your own ear buds and a AAA battery you can listen for up to 12 hours. Playback is controlled by simple buttons. Check our catalog for titles or browse the A-V shelf to make your selection.

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!