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Who’s on your family tree? Discover your roots at Anoka County Library with the help of the Anoka County Genealogical Society. Join us on May 18th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Rum River Library computer lab. The Rum River Library is located at 4201 6th Avenue in Anoka.

Learn how to begin researching your family roots in this basic genealogy class, which includes hands-on computer instruction. You will learn about software programs you can use to document and keep track of your ancestry and discover genealogy resources the library has to offer, including Ancestry Library Edition. The differences between Ancestry Library Edition and Ancestry.com will be explained and tips will be offered about how to best navigate these resources. Time is allowed at the end of the class to explore your own ancestor’s state and federal censuses, immigration records, military records, and other documents that can prove your ancestor’s existence in a particular place and time.

"Part of knowing who we are is knowing those who came before us; their struggles and their successes," said Anoka County Commissioner and Library liaison Jim Kordiak. "This is a wonderful way to get in touch with your heritage using proven tools and tips."

Class size is limited to 15 for each of these free classes. To register, call 763-576-4695 or visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us and click on our Calendar of Events.

This program is presented by Anoka County Library, in partnership with Anoka County Genealogical Society and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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It can happen in a moment. You notice a deep crease on your forehead or a blossoming of gray hairs or someone uses the term "elderly" and you suddenly realize they're talking about you. More and more of us can expect to live into our 80s, 90s and even over 100. But how will we live? Will we be really alive– –vibrant, active, and savoring our long years?

Join us Saturday, May 19th at 2:00 at the Mississippi Library to hear author, illustrator, and award–winning gerontologist Lucy Rose Fischer, PhD, talk about her book "I’m New at Being Old" and be part of an open discussion on the topics presented. This book received a Midwest Book Award and an Independent Publishers Gold Award in 2011. This presentation combines research, inspirational stories about old–age pioneers, and colorful art.

"The idea of growing old used to be daunting but we’re living longer and better than ever," said Anoka County Commissioner Robyn West. "This program will provide ideas and inspiration!"

This program is free and open to the public but seating may be limited. The Mississippi Library is located at 410 Mississippi Street NE in Fridley.

Also, during the months of May and June, see a display of Fischer’s work at the Mississippi Library. Her art has been shown in over 50 exhibits and is featured on the Twin Cities Public Television documentaries The Creative Power of Aging (2008) and Life Changing Art (2010).

This program was funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Please call 763–571–1934 for more information.

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Bookawocky, a summer–long celebration of reading, runs June 1 through August 31 and is designed to encourage reading and celebrate the enjoyment of books. Children and teens are invited to participate in Bookawocky by reading books of their choice.

Readers completing 5 hours of reading receive a pass to Bunker Beach Water Park. After 20 hours, readers are recognized as an Outstanding Reader. In addition, a host of specially–designed, fun–filled programs and contests are scheduled for Bookawocky participants to enhance their reading experience.

“Keeping kids involved in educationally rewarding programs like this keeps kids sharp when they’re out of class,” said Anoka County Commissioner Robyn West. “Our libraries are ready to help your child have fun and keep their reading skills up to snuff.”

Summer reading programs are an important way to encourage children read during summer vacation. Studies have shown that children who participate in summer reading programs maintain or improve their reading skills. Last year 12,866 children and teens read for more than 48,800 hours as part of the Library’s Bookawocky program.

Some of this summer’s reading programs include:

•Dakota Wild Animals

•The Royal Guard: Medieval Demonstration

•Dazzling Dave: National Yo–Yo Master

All programs are free. For more information about Bookawocky and other Anoka County Library events, visit your local library.

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Join us for "Live at the Library", our third annual celebration of the arts on Saturday, June 9th. All Anoka County Library locations and the Columbia Heights Public Library will come alive from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with artists, musicians, performers, storytellers, and much more. All programs are free, but seating may be limited for some events.

Artists will demonstrate a wide variety of arts and crafts–leather working; book sculpting; quilting; card making; clay projects, woodcarving, and many styles of painting. Watch artists as they work and try your hand at several art forms. At the same time, we’ll have jazz groups, singers, woodwind music from China, digital piano music, and various musicians ranging from flamenco guitar and even a brass band!

"Live at the Library is literally a buffet of everything our libraries have to offer," said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board Liaison Jim Kordiak. "There is artistry of every kind available and I invite everyone to join us in experiencing it."

Choices go beyond art and music. The Minnesota Historical Society will be visiting the Mississippi Library with "Portraits of Us". Families will have the opportunity to have their portrait taken by a professional photographer and take home a free 5" x 7" portrait in a cardboard frame. Call the Mississippi Library starting June 1st to schedule a time slot. Walk–in photos will also be taken on June 9th, as time permits. The Minnesota Historical Society will also host a "Make Your Own Family Tree" craft project as well as a preservationist to answer any questions on preserving family treasures.

"Happy Days are Here Again" is another highlight made possible by the Minnesota Historical Society and features acclaimed jazz vocalist Rhonda Laurie singing spirited songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s at 12:00 p.m. at the Rum River Library. Also at the Rum River Library, experience the Civil War in action outdoors! Talk to Civil War artillerymen, see their artillery, hear the roar of their cannon, and visit with the ladies from the Soldiers Aid Society, all courtesy of the 2nd Minnesota Battery of Light Artillery.

Come and join the fun! There will be something for all ages to enjoy. This event is funded with money from Minnesota’s Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more detailed information about "Live at the Library" and other library programs and services, call 763–717–3267

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Anoka County Library, in partnership with the Lyric Arts Theater, is pleased to offer a "Page & Stage" experience on Sunday, June 10th beginning at 12:00 pm at the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. Lyric Arts Theater is located at 420 E. Main Street in Anoka.

During this afternoon of drama, participants will take a closer look at Heaven Can Wait, an enduring play that has been adapted for film three times over the span of sixty years, the most famous being the 1978 film starring Warren Beatty. Heaven Can Wait is the story of boxer Joe Pendleton, who, while flying to his next fight, crashes and is sent to the hereafter––60 years too soon! To make matters worse, before the mistake can be corrected by heavenly supervisor Mr. Jordan, his body is cremated. Joe is given the body of the very wealthy Jonathan Farnsworth who is about to be murdered by his wife. Joe, living as Farnsworth, tries to remake Farnsworth’s unworthy life and avoid his murderous wife while resurrecting his boxing career and falling in love. All is going somewhat according to plan until Farnsworth raises a fuss and insists on having his body back. Soul–transferring shenanigans ensue as Mr. Jordan attempts to complete his earthly task and Joe fights to keep his own spirit alive.

“This experience is great for anyone interested in learning the logistics of a stage production," said Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart. "It will give anyone a new appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring the joy and laughter to life on stage."

This show is open to ages 15 and older. Registration is required and seating is limited. To reserve a spot, contact the Main Street Box Office at 763–433–2510 extension 101 and mention the Anoka County Library Heaven Can Wait "Page & Stage" program. Participants must register by June 1st and are expected to take part in all aspects of the program, including pre–show and post–show discussions.

Once registered, participants will receive a copy of the script and a study guide to prepare for the pre–show discussion. Cristopher Tibbetts will facilitate the discussion of the script, its characters, and "what to look for" in the performance. Mr. Tibbetts is an actor, director, playwright, performance instructor and Artistic Director of Workhouse Theatre Company. Participants will enjoy the performance of Heaven Can Wait and then stay for a post–show discussion where the cast and director hold a question and answer session with the audience.

To register for this free event, call 763–433–2510, extension101. This event is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. For more information about Lyric Arts Theater, visit www.lyricarts.org.

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Need to improve computer skills for your current job or want to acquire basic computer skills for your next job? Check out the hands–on computer classes offered at Crooked Lake Library in June! Crooked Lake Library is located at 11440 Crooked Lake Boulevard in Coon Rapids.

Classes are free to participants, but space is limited. Registration is required for all classes.

Visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us or call 763–576–5972 to register for the following classes presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota:

CLASS	DATES	TIMES
Essential Computer Skills for Your Job and Career	Mon. Jun 11 Tue. Jun 19	5:45pm–7:45pm 10:30am–12:30pm
Internet Introduction for Your Job and Career	Tue. Jun 12	10:30am–12:30pm
Microsoft® Word Introduction for Your Job and Career	Wed. Jun 13	5:45pm–7:45pm
Microsoft® Excel Basics for Your Job and Career	Mon. Jun 18	5:45pm–7:45pm
Microsoft® PowerPoint Introduction for Your Job and Career	Wed. Jun 20	5:45pm–7:45pm

Visit www.positivelyminnesota.com/AnokaWorkshops or call 763–783–4847 to register for both days of LinkedIn, presented by the Anoka County WorkForce Center:

CLASS	DATES	TIMES
LinkedIn – Day 1	Tue. Jun 19	1:00pm–4:00pm
LinkedIn – Day 2	Wed. Jun 20	1:00pm–4:00pm

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Essential Computer Skills for Your Job and Career – Preparing for a new job and looking to build the computer skills used daily in the workplace? In this class, you will learn to use the mouse and keyboard, become familiar with Microsoft® Windows, and save files.

Internet Introduction for Your Job and Career – The Internet is filled with useful information for those who can make sense of the maze. Learn to navigate the Web with browsing, addresses, and search engines.

LinkedIn – This two day workshop is designed to provide the tools to navigate this social networking site.
Day 1: Learn how to navigate this social networking site and draft your profile.
Day 2: Learn how to showcase your expertise, look for jobs and build and use your network to help research information that will assist you in finding a job.
In order for LinkedIn to be an asset, you have to be an active member. Registration automatically enrolls you in both days of instruction.
Prerequisite: Must be comfortable with using the computer and please register on LinkedIn BEFORE attending class.

Microsoft® Word Introduction for Your Job and Career – Word is used to create business documents, resumes, and cover letters. In this class, you will learn how to enter and edit text, apply formatting, and save files.
Prerequisite: Ability to use the keyboard and mouse.

Microsoft® Excel Basics for Your Job and Career – Excel is used in the workplace for accounting, tracking inventory and organizing data. Learn how to work with spreadsheets, create formulas and build a budget.
Prerequisite: Ability to use the keyboard and mouse.

Microsoft® PowerPoint Introduction for Your Job and Career – PowerPoint is used to create dynamic slideshows that communicate information to an audience. Learn how to format slide text, add images and select transitions for your presentation.
Prerequisite: Ability to use the keyboard and mouse.

“Computer skills are essential to education and nearly every job these days,” said Anoka County Commissioner Carol LeDoux. “These classes are a great introduction if you’re new to computing and provide additional know–how to those who want to build on the skills they already have.”

These Anoka County Library programs are presented by the Science Museum of Minnesota Computer Education Center and the Anoka County WorkForce Center and are funded by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) and Anoka County WorkForce Center.

For more detailed class information or to register online for classes, please call 763–576–5972.

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The St. Francis branch of the Anoka County Library system will be closed on Saturdays effective June 16, 2012. This fall, St. Francis branch will resume Saturday hours beginning Saturday, September 8th.

This seasonal change in open hours continues the long–standing tradition of this branch closing during slower summer days. All other Anoka County Library branches will be open during their regularly scheduled Saturday hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Many have attended Discover Your Roots, Anoka County Library’s introduction to genealogy program. The most frequent request at the end of these popular programs was "More, please!" and "More advanced genealogy information." Join us for Discover Your Roots: What’s Next? at the Rum River Library on Saturday, June 16th at 2:00 pm for help from the Anoka County Genealogical Society in taking that next step in researching your family roots. The Rum River Library is located at 4201 6th Avenue in Anoka.

"Studying genealogy is like reading a mystery and the main character is you!" said Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart. "This program is a terrific way to take your climb up the family tree to new heights."

Learn how to locate records from various sources and how to put together the clues to discover your family history. Hear how presenter Cathi Weber broke through her own ‘brick wall’ and finally found her grandfather after searching for 25 years.

This program is free and open to the public and is presented by the Anoka County Genealogical Society in partnership with Anoka County Library and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Unlike the beginning Discover Your Roots program, this is not a hands–on computer class, so registration is not required, but seating is limited. For more information call 763–576–4695

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Need help getting free eBooks from the library? Drop in at the following times and locations for assistance.

   •  Northtown Library
      (711 County Road 10 NE in Blaine):
      Mondays 5:30pm–7:30pm –Conference Room

Free assistance will be provided on a first come, first helped basis. Remember to bring your device, your user account and password associated with your device, and your Anoka County or Columbia Heights Public Library card.

"Hundreds of people have already taken advantage of our eBook classes in the past month," said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board liaison Jim Kordiak. "It only makes sense that we make these a regular part of the library offerings so that more people can take advantage of the ease and mobility of eBooks."

Anoka County Library offers a wide variety of eBooks for adults, teens, and children - both fiction and nonfiction. More titles are added every month, so visit the library website often to find the latest eBook additions. For library locations or more information about drop–in help, please call 763–717–3267.

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Need to find a job or improve existing job skills? Check out your local library! Continuing in 2012, Anoka County Library is partnering with the Anoka County WorkForce Center and Metro North Adult Basic Education to provide workshops for the unemployed and underemployed to improve their job skills and job seeking skills.

Job Search Assistance, offered every Wednesday from 1pm–4pm, provides coaching in job search skills, resume creation, and interviewing skills. Hosted by a Career Counselor from the Workforce Center, this is a great time to ask questions and network with fellow job-seekers. Open Computer Lab, offered twice a week, offers attendees access to computers, the internet, a printer and a lab attendant happy to help you learn about technology and kick-start your job search. No registration required.

Two-day workshops offer in-depth training for job seekers. Career Exploration workshops help job seekers identify their current skills and interests. Navigating the Internet for the Job Search teaches job seekers about effective job searching strategies and how to email resumes and apply for jobs online. Workshops in Microsoft Word and Excel help job seekers learn about these popular programs while increasing their current job skills. All two-day workshops require advanced registration.

"These are tough economic times and the competition for good jobs is stiff," said Anoka County Commissioner and library liaison Jim Kordiak. "Libraries help people expand their horizons, and these classes may put a little hope on the horizon as well."

This training, which runs through May 2012, is made possible by a grant from the Library Service Technology Act (LSTA). The grant allowed Anoka County Library to develop a mobile learning lab which is used for training and makes computers more readily available to library customers working on job-related tasks. Partners in the grant, Anoka County WorkForce Center and Metro North Adult Basic Education, provide instruction.

All sessions are held at the Rum River Library, located at 4201 6th Avenue NW in Anoka. All services are free and open to the public, but space is limited.


On-Line Registration Now Available! Go to
www.positivelyminnesota.com/AnokaWorkshops
To register for or cancel a class, or for additional assistance, call the Anoka County WorkForce Center at 763-783-4847.

"Libraries have always provided assistance to job seekers," said Anoka County Library Director, Marlene Moulton Janssen. "This partnership will allow Anoka County Library to expand its services to residents looking for jobs, thanks to the help of Metro North Adult Basic Education and the Anoka County WorkForce Center."