Author Jon

Jonas Beiler, author of “Think No Evil: Inside the Story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting” will speak at the Ephrata Public Library on April 12 at 6:30 p.m. In his book, Beiler offers his first-person account of the events, as well as accounts of those who were closest to the scene: the surviving children; a volunteer fireman; the local counseling center director; and a first responder. Beiler poignantly describes the Amish famiies’ responses to this horrific violence as they reached out to the shocked family members of the killer, offering unconditional forgiveness.

Beiler grew up in a traditional Old Order Amish family in the 1950s. He is the cofounder and chairman of the Angela Foundation and is a licensed minister, certified family counselor and founder of the Family Resource and Counseling Center and The Family Center of Gap. Jonas is married to Anne Beiler, founder and creator of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, an acclaimed international pretzel franchise.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register, call the library during business hours at 717-738-9291 or register online at www.ephratapubliclibrary.org.

Join us

Beginning Wednesday, February 3
This online course will introduce participants to Web 2.0 technologies and give participants the opportunity to play with and learn from the internet in new ways. Learn about podcasts, RSS feeds, wikis, blogs and more! The class is online with optional instructional time in the library each week. Participants should have access to an internet connection (at home or in the library), have basic knowledge of the internet and their computer's operating system.) This is not a class for beginning computer users, but rather for intermediate users. All participants who complete the program will receive a USB flash drive. A drawing will be held at the end of the program from all participant names for a Kindle. The program runs through Wednesday, April 6. To register for the class, email ptalbert@ephratapubliclibrary.org.

New Library Hours

New Hours Begin September 1st!

Mondays: Library open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Passport office is closed

Tuesdays: Library open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Passport office open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesdays: Library open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Passport office is closed

Thursdays: Library open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Passport office open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Fridays: Library is closed; Passport office is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Meeting and program rooms are open; WIFI is off)

Saturdays: Library open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Passport office is closed

Sundays: Library is closed; Passport office is closed (Meeting and program rooms are closed; WIFI is off)

Make Libraries a Priority!

As the state budget debate heats up, we need you - our patrons - to contact your local legislators and tell them to MAKE LIBRARIES A PRIORITY as they move to pass a state budget.

Here is how you can take part in the Pennsylvania Library Association Call-In:

Please call your State Representative (alphabetical list of State Reps: http://tinyurl.com/nyzlbv AND your State Senator (list of Senators: http://tinyurl.com/2bmjpk).

You may not have a chance to speak directly with him or her, but leaving a message with an aide is very effective.

Deliver this KEY MESSAGE: Libraries are more important than ever in this recession. They provide an economic safety net for the people in our state who are most vulnerable. Please make libraries one of your priorities in the next state budget. (For talking points: http://tinyurl.com/l5evt5.) Add a PERSONAL MESSAGE if you'd like, but keep it brief. Tell why the library is important to you, your family or your business.

The BOTTOM LINE is this: PLEASE SUPPORT LEVEL FUNDING FOR LIBRARIES.

Wii Bowling League!

Wii Bowling League for Seniors!

Seniors are invited to join us on Thursday mornings for some exercise and socializing! We will be using the Wii gaming system to bowl. If you can swing your arm, you can play the Wii. Space is limited! Sign up today!

Thursdays in January and February from 10 a.m.-12 noon

Boomer University!

Baby Boomer University

You don't necessarily have to be a baby boomer to attend this series of classes designed by Ephrata High School student Jeremy Palm for his Eagle Scout project. Designed and taught by area teenagers, these series of classes are a crash course in basic computing skills. If you've always wanted to know how to use a computer but never got the chance, sign up for our Baby Boomer University. It is important that you sign up for the entire series, so please make sure you can attend most of them. Space is limited!

Monday, August 25, 6 p.m. - Session 1: Intro to the Desktop. In this class, you will learn about the computer and its basic parts.

Wednesday, August 27, 6 p.m. - Session 2: The Mouse. Learn how to use the mouse and navigate the desktop.

Wednesday, September 3, 6 p.m. - Session 3: Your Desktop and How To Use It. This class will cover more in-depth desktop navigation and the use of icons.

Monday, September 8, 6 p.m. - Session 4: Windows. Topics discussed include an overview of windows, active versus non-active windows and how to use multiple windows.

Wednesday, September 10, 6 p.m. - Session 5: Scroll Bars. This class will cover what scroll bars are and how to use them. A review of all materials in the first five sessions will be done.

Monday, September 15, 6 p.m. - Session 6: Microsoft Word. This class will give a basic overview of Microsoft Word, including typing practice.

Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m. - Session 7: Microsoft Powerpoint. This class will give a basic overview of Powerpoint and introduce participants to importing pictures into a slideshow.

Monday, September 22, 6 p.m. - Session 8: Microsoft Excel. This class will give a basic overview of Microsoft Excel and introduce participants to creating a spreadsheet.

Monday, September 29, 6 p.m. - Session 9: Introduction to the Internet. This class will cover how to use the internet and how to pick a browser that���s right for you.

Wednesday, October 1, 6 p.m. - Session 10: Introduction to Internet Searching. Learn how to search the internet.

Monday, October 6, 6 p.m. - Session 11: Final Project. This class will help you work on your final project!

Tuesday, October 7, 6 p.m. - Session 12: Finishing Your Final Project/Graduation.

Computer Tutoring Calendar is Complete!

The summer calendar for computer tutoring is complete and waiting for you! Call the library to schedule your free tutoring session. Whether you are a total beginner and need help figuring out how to turn your computer on - or if you are working on a PowerPoint presentation and need a little help - our teen computer tutors and waiting to help. Hundreds of seniors over the years have found these tutoring sessions invaluable - our tutors are knowledgeable, patient and clearly love what they do!

Sign up today!