Have a great idea for an invention? We can show you how to do a patent search using the United States Patent & Trademark website. Basic computer skills and familiarity with the internet is preferred.
This class will meet in the Patent Alcove in the Science & Technology department.
Class size is limited. Contact the Science & Technology division to sign up.

Learn how to create letters, labels and envelopes for mass mailings. Learn how to create address lists to facilitate this process using Microsoft Excel. Ideal for Christmas cards, weddings, family reunion letters, and more! Microsoft Word 2007 will be demonstrated in class. Some experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is required.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Stories and crafts celebrating the autumn harvest and the Thanksgiving holiday.

All ages. No sign up.

Calling all fans of the books and the movies to join us for a party welcoming the New Moon movie! We’ll have crafts, snacks, and chat about all things Twilight.

For ages 11-17. Please call the Teen Department to register.

All ages. No sign up.

Learn to use Windows Explorer, your computer’s filing cabinet, to organize and manage your files and folders. During class, you will practice copying, moving, and deleting items as well as using your recycle bin. Attendance at Windows for Beginners is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Experience the advanced features associated with Excel. Learn how to maximize your data with these helpful tools. Attendance at MS Excel, Part 3 is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Open Lab

Come with your questions! Come to practice what you’ve learned in class! Open lab time is an opportunity to work on computers in the lab with an instructor present to answer any questions you may have.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Is your computer running slower and slower everyday? Is your computer's memory running low? Has the "n" key on your keyboard stopped working? Learn how to perk up your machine, dispose of unneeded files, and more with basic maintenance tools in Windows XP. Attendance at Windows for Beginners or equivalent experience is preferred.

All Main Library classes are held in the computer lab on the first floor behind the Circulation desk and include handouts.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

A more detailed continuation of the Getting Started in Family History class, this class is geared toward those who have already taken that class or who have done some research on their own. Participants will learn what to expect when working with vital (birth, marriage and death) records and obituaries and basic search strategies for finding them in both online and traditional sources. Online demonstrations include the Family History Library catalog and the Library database Newspaper Archive.

Class will take place in Meeting Room 1 on the Second Floor of Main Library.

To sign up, please contact the Special Collections Division.    

For Grades 1-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up.

All ages. No sign up.

Experience the more advanced features associated with Excel. Learn how to link data among many workbooks. Set up a shared-workbook with appropriate protection levels and create a drop-down list. Attendance at MS Excel, Part 3 & 4 is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Learn how to create and present slideshow presentations for work, school, or personal use with PowerPoint 2007. Attendance at Windows for Beginners is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

This broad overview of the grantseeking process ranges from what you need to have in place before you seek a grant to using the database tool Foundation Directory Online to find funders. Intended for novice representatives from nonprofit organizations as well as those who may need a refresher course in the use of available sources. (Grantwriting is not included.)

Main Library - Computer Lab 2.

Class size is limited to 15.

For more information or to register, e-mail hhdiv@akronlibrary.org or call 330-643-9040.

December's book is Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger

A chatty murderer exposes the underbelly of India's tiger economy in this thrilling Indian novel that explodes the clichés – ornamental prose, the scent of saffron – associated with that phrase. Instead Adiga tells the tale of two Indias, where call-center workers tread the same pavement as beggars who burn street rubbish for warmth. Adiga won the 2008 Man Booker Prize for this debut novel.

Pick up a copy at the Popular Culture desk, and join us to talk about what you think.

Bring a chronology of your work and/or educational history with you to these workshops, and use resume writing software that offers hundreds of pre-written job duty descriptions to clearly define your skills and qualifications. Take the hassle out of trying to come up with phrases ridden with cliches and jargon that only serve to confuse the reader. Practice with the built-in videos to sharpen your job interviewing and salary negotiating skills. Don't let tricky or difficult questions spoil your chances at landing that coveted job! Take advantage of overlay themes that will make your resume and/or cover letter look clean, uncluttered, and professional. Save your work as an electronic document and leave our workshop with a high-impact ready-to-print product.

Attendees must bring a flash drive on which to save their work. Inexpensive flash drives ($4.50/512mb) are available for purchase at the Library. Ear buds (for listening to the videos) are also available for purchase at the Library for $1.00, or bring your own.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Stories, songs, activities, and crafts.

For 2 to 5 year olds with an adult caregiver.

When an upscale married couple finds their exotic vacation plans ruined, a four-family frenzy ensues as they try to please everyone for Christmas! Hilarious comedy with Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek. 88 min.

Learn how the Internet and Web Pages interact, and find out what you need to do to create a Web site of your own. Then discover the basics of HTML code that will start you on the journey to create a Web site. Experience with the Internet is required.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Most of us will find immigrant ancestors somewhere in our family tree. Their travels to the United States and along the path to U.S. citizenship are often documented, but finding these records can be a challenge. Join staff from the Special Collections Division for a discussion of identifying immigrant ancestors and locating passenger lists and naturalization records. As we will be using electronic resources, basic computer skills are recommended.

This genealogy class will take place in Computer Lab 2 on the First Floor of Main Library.

To sign up, please contact the Special Collections Division.    

All ages. No sign up.

Please sign up. For all ages.

Most of us will find immigrant ancestors somewhere in our family tree. Their travels to the United States and along the path to U.S. citizenship are often documented, but finding these records can be a challenge. Join staff from the Special Collections Division for a discussion of identifying immigrant ancestors and locating passenger lists and naturalization records. As we will be using electronic resources, basic computer skills are recommended.

This genealogy class will take place in Computer Lab 2 on the First Floor of Main Library.

To sign up, please contact the Special Collections Division.    

All ages. No sign up.

Is your computer running slower and slower everyday? Is your computer's memory running low? Has the "n" key on your keyboard stopped working? Learn how to perk up your machine, dispose of unneeded files, and more with basic maintenance tools in Windows XP. Attendance at Windows for Beginners or equivalent experience is preferred.

All Main Library classes are held in the computer lab on the first floor behind the Circulation desk and include handouts.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Get acquainted with computers and our training series! Discover the differences between hardware and software, learn about storage devices and other computer components, and explore the Windows operating system.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Learn how to use PowerPoint’s advanced features to customize your presentations. Experience with using PowerPoint or attendance at PowerPoint, Part 1 is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

Computer Mouse Skills for Beginners

Discover what a computer mouse is and have fun practicing basic mouse functions with in-class exercises. Learn to open and close software programs and play a game or two! Attendance at Introduction to Computers is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Have you ever wondered what a “blog” is? What about an RSS feed? Learn about these new communication forms, find some blogs and news sites to read, and learn how to use this technology. Experience with the Internet is required.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Learn basic functions of the Windows operating system that enable you to create, save, close, and open files. Practice using various Windows components, such as working with multiple windows and using menus. Attendance at Computer Mouse Skills and Introduction to Computers is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Stories, songs, activities, and crafts.

For 2 to 5 year olds with an adult caregiver.

Bring a chronology of your work and/or educational history with you to these workshops, and use resume writing software that offers hundreds of pre-written job duty descriptions to clearly define your skills and qualifications. Take the hassle out of trying to come up with phrases ridden with cliches and jargon that only serve to confuse the reader. Practice with the built-in videos to sharpen your job interviewing and salary negotiating skills. Don't let tricky or difficult questions spoil your chances at landing that coveted job! Take advantage of overlay themes that will make your resume and/or cover letter look clean, uncluttered, and professional. Save your work as an electronic document and leave our workshop with a high-impact ready-to-print product.

Attendees must bring a flash drive on which to save their work. Inexpensive flash drives ($4.50/512mb) are available for purchase at the Library. Ear buds (for listening to the videos) are also available for purchase at the Library for $1.00, or bring your own.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Learn to use Windows Explorer, your computer’s filing cabinet, to organize and manage your files and folders. During class, you will practice copying, moving, and deleting items as well as using your recycle bin. Attendance at Windows for Beginners is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

The fight for Earth has ended, but the struggle for the universe has just begun! Mega-hit starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. 150 min.

Build on your knowledge of basic HTML code and continue to create your web pages. Tips and tricks for refining your pages will be forthcoming. Attendance at Beginning HTML, Part 1 is required.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

All ages. No sign up.

Please sign up. For all ages.

All ages. No sign up.

Learn more about digital cameras. A discussion of basic vocabulary and an introduction to the equipment will give you a greater understanding of this exciting new technology. No experience or camera required.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Learn how to access the Internet in the library and from your home computer. During class, you will learn basic Internet searching using web directories and search engines.

All Main Library classes are held in the computer lab on the first floor behind the circulation desk and include handouts.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Advanced features covered include photo album shows, automation, animation, more with backgrounds, charts, and other miscellaneous items. Experience with using PowerPoint or attendance at PowerPoint, Part 2 is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

In the tradition of the public library as “The People’s University,” the Akron-Summit County Public Library presents a monthly lecture series timed especially for the working person’s lunch hour. Each month features a different topic aimed to enlighten and enrich the working day and will focus on materials and collections found at the Library.

In December, the focus is on ReferenceUSA. So much more than merely an online phonebook, the Business & Government librarians will show you how to use this powerful tool to create mailing lists, target your marketing efforts, research your business competitors, and even update your holiday card list.

No need to sign up or register. Bring a sack lunch and your curiosity to Meeting Room 1 on Main Library’s High Street level.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

Learn how to make better use of search engine features for more successful Internet searching. Practice saving your favorite websites and printing Internet content. Attendance at Internet, Part 1 or prior Internet experience preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Are you a hunt and peck typist or would you just like to improve your typing speed? This class will teach you the basics of typing through a series of very basic exercises. Proper keying position and technique will be stressed.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Discover how to create word processing documents using Microsoft Word 2003. Practice preparing files using Word’s document templates to begin documents. Learn various editing features that allow you to effectively revise documents. Explore ways to quickly copy and move text. Attendance at Microsoft Windows for Beginners is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Bring a chronology of your work and/or educational history with you to these workshops, and use resume writing software that offers hundreds of pre-written job duty descriptions to clearly define your skills and qualifications. Take the hassle out of trying to come up with phrases ridden with cliches and jargon that only serve to confuse the reader. Practice with the built-in videos to sharpen your job interviewing and salary negotiating skills. Don't let tricky or difficult questions spoil your chances at landing that coveted job! Take advantage of overlay themes that will make your resume and/or cover letter look clean, uncluttered, and professional. Save your work as an electronic document and leave our workshop with a high-impact ready-to-print product.

Attendees must bring a flash drive on which to save their work. Inexpensive flash drives ($4.50/512mb) are available for purchase at the Library. Ear buds (for listening to the videos) are also available for purchase at the Library for $1.00, or bring your own.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

Stories, songs, activities, and crafts.

For 2 to 5 year olds with an adult caregiver.

Make your document stand out! Explore the different ways to change how text looks. Learn how to change the style and effect of text. Discover additional formatting techniques that can be applied to document paragraphs. Attendance at MS Word, Part 1 is preferred.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

The world's greatest detective battles the sinister genius Professor Moriarty! Starring Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce and Ida Lupino. 85 min.

All ages. No sign up.

All ages. No sign up.

Open Lab

Come with your questions! Come to practice what you’ve learned in class! Open lab time is an opportunity to work on computers in the lab with an instructor present to answer any questions you may have.

Computer classes are held on the first floor, in computer lab 1.

Please visit our website for more information: Electronic Services Computer Training    

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - 30 min.

Frosty the Snowman – 30 min.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - 65 min.

Dog Day Afternoons provide an opportunity for your child to read to a registered therapy dog in a relaxed atmosphere. Join Kristi and her Afghan Hound, Jack, between 3:00 and 5:00 pm.

No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up.

All ages. No sign up.

Up - PG, 1 hr., 36 min.

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe, and now in his 78th year, he floats his house into the sky using thousands of balloons. Right after liftoff, he discovers he has a stowaway -- an excited 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. This hilarious journey takes you into a lost world with the least likely team on Earth. Animated.

Are you looking for something to do over winter break? Stop in the Teen Meeting Room to take a turn on the Wii or participate in other activities. We have something fun planned for each day.

For ages 11-17.

Monsters vs. Aliens - PG, 1 hr., 34 min.

When a meteorite from outer space hits a young girl and covers her with an alien liquid, it turns her into a 48-foot monster. She is taken to a secret government compound where she meets a ragtag group of monsters also rounded up over the years. This crew is asked to save the earth from the evil alien, Gallaxhar, in this animated comedy.

Are you looking for something to do over winter break? Stop in the Teen Meeting Room to take a turn on the Wii or participate in other activities. We have something fun planned for each day.

For ages 11-17.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian - PG, 1 hr., 45 min.

Security guard Larry Daley sneaks into the Smithsonian Institute in order to rescue Jedediah and Octavius, who have been shipped to the museum by mistake. Starring Ben Stiller and Amy Adams.

Are you looking for something to do over winter break? Stop in the Teen Meeting Room to take a turn on the Wii or participate in other activities. We have something fun planned for each day.

For ages 11-17.

Are you looking for something to do over winter break? Stop in the Teen Meeting Room to take a turn on the Wii or participate in other activities. We have something fun planned for each day.

For ages 11-17.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

Sid becomes jealous when Ellie and Manny are expecting their first child and "adopts" three abandoned eggs. He's soon abducted by their mother and his friends must come to his rescue! 94 min.

It may or may not be cold and snowy outside, but come inside and join us for a fun-filled, snow-themed story time.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

It's a deadly game of "tag" and Cary Grant is "it"! This classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller also stars James Mason and Eva Marie Saint. 136 min.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Please sign up. You can even sign up with a friend as a team.

For Grades 1-12.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

Meet James T Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura and the rest of the group who will become the famed crew of the Enterprise. This sci-fi adventure follows the early days and struggles of the team on their first mission out of Starfleet Academy. Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy. 126 min.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

At work, Lt Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: "Never leave your partner behind." Can he learn to apply this principle to his cooling marriage? Starring Kirk Cameron. 122 min.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

Based on the incredible true story of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Starring Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown. 130 min.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

When high-powered editor Margaret faces deportation to Canada, she fakes an engagement to her put-upon assistant Andrew, whom she's tormented for years. He agrees to participate but only if she consents to meet his quirky Alaskan family where Margaret is a true fish-out-of-water! Wonderful romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen and Betty White. 108 min.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages.

Whether you love celebrating romance or the thought of hearts and flowers makes you sick, you’re welcome to come to our celebration! Make holiday crafts, eat snacks, play funny games, and win prizes.

This program is for teens ages 11-18. Call the Teen Department to register.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

A fascinating look at the strained relationship between a Southern cop and a black detective from Philadelphia, who are involved in a bizarre murder case. Winner of five Oscars including Best Picture. Starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger and Lee Grant. 109 min.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

In Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts he finds a Potions book, which used to belong to the very mysterious Half-Blood Prince. Harry will have to put these spells to good use in the wake of Lord Voldemort's return. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. 153 min.

Waddle on in for fun with penguin stories and activities!

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed Easter Sunday April 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed Easter Sunday April 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed Easter Sunday April 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed Easter Sunday April 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

For Grades K-6. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed July 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed July 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed July 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed July 4.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed December 25 and January 1.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed December 25 and January 1.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

Closed December 25 and January 1.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.

All ages. No sign up needed.