People's Network learning and support
The People's Network facilities in your local library allow you to to use computers and high speed Internet for free. They also provide an opportunity to learn new skills.
Library staff can deliver People's Network "Taster Sessions". Please note these are not formal lessons but half hour, hands-on sessions where you will be able to explore the People's Network facilities and the Internet with the help of a library staff member. Contact your local library to find out what sessions they can offer and to book a convenient time.
We also offer IT courses in Richmond libraries in partnership with Richmond Adult Community College.
You can also teach yourself new skills by using our e-book services. We subscribe to Safari Technical Books Online and NetLibrary and through them give you to access hundreds of IT books online. You can access them from any Richmond library or from home if you have a Richmond library card and PIN. Here are just a few recommended books provided by Safari. You can get full online text access to these books and many more.
Online! The Book, by John C. Dvorak, Chris Pirillo and Wendy Taylor
About the book (from the publisher): "Are you getting the best of the Internet? No way! The Web's packed with great sites you haven't discovered. Great tools you haven't tried. Great stuff you haven't done. Here's just a taste of what you'll learn: How to deal with that spam: no more junk email, download faster and smarter, protect yourself against today's toughest viruses and hackers, build your own next-generation Web site, fast and much more."
Sams Teach Yourself Internet and Web Basics All in One, by Ned Snell, Bob Temple and T. Michael Clark
About the book (from the publisher): All the answers to a new Internet user's questions in one big, easy-to-use book. A compendium of multiple reference books in one volume. Designed for the beginning user who wants to buy just one book that is likely to answer all his current - and future questions.
Sams Teach Yourself Office XP in 24 Hours, by Greg Perry
About the book (from the publisher): Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP in 24 Hours is designed to teach the new Windows XP user how to get the most out of a desktop computer. It also provides additional coverage for the experienced Windows user who wants to learn more about what's new in Windows XP.