Learning and Training in Libraries

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Through Kingston Libraries you can access a wide range of learning opportunities. Ask at any branch library for advice and guidance to help you find the course or way of learning that's right for you. To register for these sessions please ask at any Enquiry Desk. Prices for one-off basic taster sessions or drop in sessions are £1.50 to be paid when booking the session. Other one-off sessions are £3 per session. This is non-refundable and non-transferable.

It's Never Too Late To Learn computer courses for complete beginners.

This 4 week courses will start on Wednesday 21 April, 9.45 - 11.45 am at Surbiton library and will cost £24. It will cover how to use the mouse and keyboard, basic word processing and using the Internet. For further information and to book a place please contact Surbiton Library on (020) 8547 6445 or Alex Webb (020) 8547 6470.

IT classes at the Hook Centre

1. Thursday 25 February, 6.30 - 8.30pm. (Intro) Cost: £5. Come along and learn the basics of how to use eBay.
2. Thursday 4 March 6.30 - 8.30pm (Selling) Cost: £5 Find out how to sell your items on eBay.

Will run from Saturday 6 March until Saturday 27 March, 1.45 - 4.15pm. Cost: £24.

session - Thursday 4 March, 10 - 12pm. Cost £3. Got a new laptop, but  not sure what to do with it? Bring it along to this session and we'll show you!

The timetable of classes for November 2009 to March 2010 is available to download or print from the link below.

Also a tutor is available and you can practice your skills at the following sessions:

• Open Learning every Monday from 10am to 12noon (general)
• Silver Surfers every other Saturday 10am to 12noon (Internet)

For further details and to book a place on any of these courses, please call in at Hook Library or ring (020) 8547 6480 or (020) 8547 6485.

1-to-1 tuition is available in the library at a cost of £6 per half hour session. You can learn on a desktop PC or bring in your own laptop (if you have one). Please call Lisa on (020) 8547 6485 for further details.

IT taster sessions at Old Malden Library

Training is on offer covering all aspects of using the computer.

For details of training sessions held in the library learning room speak to library staff or contact Paul Millar on 020 8547 6489 or email paul.millar@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Basic Computer Literacy

Delivering British Computer Society accredited IT courses since 1999, Kingston Libraries have developed a strong commitment to high quality ICT training. If you want to learn how to use the internet, e-mail friends and family around the world, apply for jobs online, improve your CV or get to grips with Office IT skills why not attend a course at one of Kingston Libraries learning centres?

For details of IT courses on offer in library learning centres see the course descriptions page

For dates of forthcoming courses see our online calendar or contact one of Kingston Libraries Training Officers on: 020 8547 6489 /6470 /6485. Please note -The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames is not responsible for the content of the online calendar

All seven library branches in Kingston have public access computers with fast Internet connections and commonly used software including Microsoft Office and Open Office. We appreciate that not every library user is a computer whiz (or wants to be). So all library staff are trained to a minimum standard in IT skills, and many hold the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification. So if you need help, just ask your library staff who will be happy to assist. We also have three dedicated Training Officers based at New Malden, Tolworth and Hook libraries.

Anyone can use the Public Access computers in the libraries and you are welcome to drop in at any time during library opening hours and use a PC. However, to be sure of getting a session, it is always best to book. If you are a member of Kingston Libraries you can reserve time on a PC (free for the first hour) using your membership card. You can book a computer yourself at one of our kiosks or ask a member of staff. If you are not a library member, show one piece of personal ID to the library staff and you will be issued with a ‘computer user’ membership card allowing you to book time on public PCs. If you are under 16 your parent or guardian will be asked to complete and sign a form giving you permission to access the internet unaccompanied. If this permission is granted, a note to show this will be added to your membership card.

Software to help users with a visual impairment, including the Jaws screenreader and Supernova screen magnifier, is available at selected branches (contact your local branch for more information). We also have a range of adaptive equipment such as different keyboards and mice available.

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

(Charges apply - see ECDL Information for Candidates page)

Studying towards ECDL qualification will help you gain essential computer skills and give you confidence and competency in IT. It will help you be more efficient in your existing job and may improve your job prospects. 1.5 million people in the UK have chosen ECDL as the way to learn important IT skills. You can undertake training and/or testing in this valuable qualification at New Malden Library, Tolworth Library or Hook Library at a time to suit you (during library opening hours).

For further information contact:

Tolworth Library - 020 8547 6470 or by email at tolworth.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
New Malden Library - 020 8547 6540 or email newmalden.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.
Hook and Chessington Library - 020 8547 6485 or email hook.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Get To Work Group

(Free)

New Malden and Tolworth libraries run open access sessions to help any unemployed people who want to use the facilities get back to work. These sessions offer you the opportunity for:

• IT training and certification
• Help with producing a CV
• Searching on line for jobs
• Downloading job applications
• Applying for jobs online
• Online Skills for Life training

A regular session runs every Monday morning 9.30am to 11.30am at New Malden. If you would like further details please contact:
New Malden Library on 020 8547 6540 or email newmalden.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

A regular session runs on the first and third Thursday of the month from 2.15pm to 3.45pm at Tolworth Community Library. If you would like further details please contact Tolworth Community Library on 020 8547 6470 or email tolworth.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Language

(Free)

Online courses can be accessed through our computers that will get you started in French, Spanish, German, Italian and more.

Other Training

Libraries staff are always happy to help you find the training that's right for you. Your local library contains an extensive range of information about learning opportunities, training providers and institutes in the local area and throughout the UK . Ask at your library's enquiry desk and we will help you find your best way into learning.