Computer Classes

The West Linn Public Library regularly offers classes for patrons wishing to improve their computer skills and knowledge. We offer classes on a wide variety of topics: computer basics, e-mail basics, internet basics, Word, Excel, and searching the library's catalog and databases.

Classes are 90 minutes and are limited to 12 participants; reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. When classes are filled, we keep a waiting list, in case additional spaces become available. Please call the information desk at 503-656-7853, ext. 6 to register.

If you would like to be notified of future computer class offerings, please send us an e-mail at library_events [at] westlinnoregon [dot] gov.

Access Basics
Thursday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.
In this introductory class, participants will learn some basic relational database concepts, how databases differ from spreadsheets, and how to use Microsoft Access to create and use their own databases. Participants should have basic keyboard and mouse skills. Basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel is useful, but not required.

Intermediate Access
Thursday, September 9, 6:30 p.m.
This class builds on the skills learned in the Basic Access class. Participants will learn how to link tables and create basic queries and forms. Basic computer skills are required and basic familiarity with Microsoft Access (either from our Access Basics class or prior knowledge/experience) is strongly recommended.

Computer Basics
Wednesday, September 15, 6:15 p.m.
This beginner’s class will show you how to use the mouse and keyboard, open and close programs, save files, and navigate around a computer. You will also learn about organizing, creating, copying, and moving files and folders. The skills taught in this class are required knowledge before taking any of our other computer classes.

Digital Photo Basics
Thursday, September 23, 6:30 p.m.
You've taken a bunch of photos, you've downloaded them from your camera to your computer...now what? This 90-minute class will cover the basics of organizing, editing, sharing, and printing your digital photos. You must have basic computer skills (i.e., using the mouse and keyboard).

Internet Basics
Wednesday, October 6, 6:15 p.m.
This beginners class will get you started with the internet, including using the browser, searching basics, navigating websites, and internet safety. You will also learn about the anatomy of web addresses and domain names.

Word Basics
Thursday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.
This introductory class is for people who have little or no experience using Microsoft Word. The class will cover opening and saving documents, changing font and font sizes, using bold, italic, and underline, adjusting margins, spell check, and printing. You must have basic computer skills (i.e., using the mouse and keyboard).

Intermediate Word
Thursday, October 21, 6:30 p.m.
This class is for people who know their way around Microsoft Word but want to learn more advanced tasks. Learn about indents, line spacing, creating columns and tables, how to use the drawing toolbar, and creating text boxes. Basic familiarity with Word and basic computer skills (i.e., using the mouse and keyboard) are required.

Web Design Basics
Thursday, November 4, 6:30 p.m.
Learn how to create your own website quickly and easily. Using the web-based software Weebly, you will learn how to create your own site from scratch, how to add text and images, and how to change the layout and design. We will also cover good web design practices. No prior web design experience necessary, but you must have basic computer skills (i.e., using the mouse and keyboard).

HTML Basics
Thursday, November 18, 6:30 p.m.
While the web is full of different kinds of sites and pages, they all share one thing in common; they are all built using HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Participants in this class will go "behind the scenes" of a web page to learn how HTML works, and try their hands at creating a simple web page "from scratch" using only HTML. No prior HTML experience is required, but you must have basic keyboard and mouse skills.

Computer Programming Basics
Thursday, December 2, 6:30 p.m.
Computer programming isn’t just for rocket scientists or Silicon Valley whizzes! Participants in this class will be introduced to some fundamental concepts of computer programming, learn how to write and run computer code using some simple tools, and try their hands at writing/modifying a simple computer program. No prior programming experience is required, but you must have basic keyboard and mouse skills.