Technology Learning Center

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What is it?

The Technology Learning Center is now the home of ten public access computers. This site has been expanded through the generosity of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is now a state-of-the-art computer training facility, designed to support public and staff training programs. When not in use for training, the lab is available for walk-in use by the general public, and during special hours, for use by children and teens only to work on school assignments and projects. The multi-media workstations provide access to encyclopedias and other educational software that promotes reading, language, math, social studies and computer skills. Additionally, all of the library's electronic resources are available, including catalogs of materials available for use throughout Pasadena and Glendale Public libraries.

Where is it?

The TLC is just off the main hall of the Pasadena Central Library, on the north side, west of the Circulation Desk and the entrances to the main stacks. That puts it near the Young Adult and Literacy book collections.

When is it open?

When not in user for training, the TLC is open Monday – Thursday, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 – 4:45 p.m. for use by kids and teens. During those hours a library staff member is available to assist students in using the computers.

The TLC is open to the general public during the following hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 2:45 and 6:00 - 8:45
Friday 9:00 - 5:45
Saturday 9:00 - 5:45
During those hours only limited assistance is available, via a courtesy phone or from volunteer assistants. During these expanded hours for the general public, only limited internet service is available, for the use of the library web pages and the direct links from those.

In addition, there are classes for public training each month, ranging from how to use the library's resources to training in specific computer skills. The current classes are listed on the Public Training page.

How can I use it?

To use the TLC on your own, just come in and sign up on the day you want to use it. No telephone or advance reservations are available at this time.

Students can sign up for 30-minute time slots, and up to two slots per day if available.

During the times when the TLC is available to the general public, the use is on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no charge for the use of the computers, but there is a charge of 10 cents per page of printing.

What is available for use?

Each of the ten computer stations is loaded with resources and software, including the following:

The Library Catalog, showing the holdings of all the Pasadena and Glendale Public Libraries.

InfoTrac, an online index of magazine and newspaper articles, some of which can be downloaded as full text, others permitting you to find printed sources.

Kid's Catalog, a special version of the library's catalog of holdings arranged specifically for kids.

Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor, to help you with your keyboard skills.

Internet Explorer, for browsing the web. (Limited access during general lab hours.)

Word 2003, a word processor for typing and editing documents and homework.

Access 2003, database software to help you organize things.

Excel 2003, spreadsheet software for organizing numbers and money.

PowerPoint 2003, for doing presentations.

Publisher 2003, for desktop publishing projects.

In addition, there are other resources and software applications, including many titles for children of various ages.

Upcoming Classes and Special Events in the TLC

For classes, unless noted otherwise, call (626)744-4066, option 7 for information and reservations. You may also get information on our classes and register electronically at the link in the next paragraph.

Pre-registration is required, and participants for hands-on classes are limited by the number of computer stations available. Please call, fill in a registration form at any one of our branches, or fill out the electronic form on our Public Training page.

03/20/2007