For next week, write an essay on the life of
Once upon a time, these assignments would send students straight to the local public library. Now, they are more likely to switch on a computer and do their research on the internet, where the selection is wider and the information is up to date. For instance, both Funk and Wagnalls, and, as of this week, the Encyclopedia Britannica are available, free, on the internet.
That's fine, if you happen to own a computer, but what about those (probably still in the majority in this area), who don't have easy access to a computer, at home or at school? The answer, as in the good old days, is still: head for your public library.
Both the Fenelon and Bobcaygeon branches of the Victoria County Library have computers and internet accounts available for public use. At the moment, those in the Fenelon Library are well-booked, by ten to twenty people a day. The Bobcaygeon branch hasn't been as busy (so go there if you have a choice!).
People are putting the computers to a variety of uses. Some come in just to check their mail. Even if you don't own a computer, you can establish your own email address (for instance at "hotmail") and send and receive mail from the library's computer. Students use the library computers for homework assignments, others just for general research, genealogy being one of the more popular topics.
You can print results, or save them onto a diskette. Because of the concern about computer viruses, only diskettes purchased from the library can be used on their machines, but they will store them for you to re-use later. The charges are $1 for half an hour for the use of the computer, $1 per page for the printer, and $1 for a diskette. ..
Both libraries are open Tuesday through Saturday, including one evening a week: Wednesday in Bobcaygeon, Thursday in Fenelon. The specific hours are included in their phone messages at 738-2088 or 887-6300.
"That's fine," you say, "but since I don't have a computer at home, I have no idea how to use the one in the library!". If you have never before used a computer, you will need some instruction. Anyone considering buying a computer would be well advised to sign up for a computer course, but if you are just planning to use the internet, there are inexpensive one-on-one lessons available in both Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon
In Fenelon, free computer / internet lessons are being offered at the high school, through a Community Access Program (ie. your federal tax dollars at work). Phone the high school at 887-2018 to arrange a lesson.
In Bobcaygeon, you can sign up for lessons at the Seniors Centre. No, you don't have to be a senior although they do ask you to join the club, at a cost of $5. Members can also just "book" the computer to learn at their own pace, for a fee of $1 to $2 an hour, depending on whether they are using the internet.
And, of course, there's the Kawartha Internet Users Group, which meets on the second Thursday of each month, at 7 pm, at the Lions' Club, Main St. Bobcaygeon. There you will have a chance to see the internet,.., ask questions, and meet people who can help you to get started.
Go look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!