We are very happy to announce that ELPL patrons now have access to the Value Line Investment Survey online.  Value Line provides powerful investment research, stock analysis, mutual fund reports and more.

Patrons using library computers can access Value Line here.
Patrons at the library connecting via wireless can access Value Line here - you will need to enter your entire library card number to log in.

ELPL patrons have a great new resource for language instruction - Mango Languages online classroom.  Choose from over 30 languages and track your progress online.  English courses for ESL students are also available. Click here for more information.

ELPL patrons are now able to access Mango Languages - an online language classroom.  Users have a choice of over 30 languages to study as well as English courses for non-English speakers.  This wonderful resource can be accessed in the Library and from any computer with an internet connection. 

Beginning May 1, TumbleBookLibrary will be available from our website!

TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of TumbleBooks, animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love.

TumbleBooks  are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sound, music  and narration to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.

To access TumbleBookLibrary click here.

 FUN FACT OF THE DAY: A “.wps” file is an archaic file type used in the 1980's for word processing. Back in the old days (wink), this was pretty much the standard for word processing applications, for example, Microsoft Office ® and the “.doc” or “.docx” extension is today. Unfortunately, not many programs support this file type anymore.

Here is an exercise program that will get your mouse moving fast. Pet mice are not required!

At the East Lansing Public Library we offer one-on-one appointments covering a wide variety of computer lessons.

One lesson that comes up often is learning how to use the mouse. It can be a daunting task for your hands.

We have uploaded an online program that will serve your computer skills. Mouserobics comes to us from the Central Kansas Library System in Great Bend, Kansas. Practice with this site and master the art of efficent computer skills.

Make sure you're prepared when you go to the polls on Tuesday, August 3. 

These web sites will help you review who's running, what they stand for, and view a sample ballot.

Michigan Votes

Publius Voter Guide

Michigan Dept. of State - Voter Information Center

Lansing State Journal - Election 2010

Project Vote Smart

BOOKS FOR BOYS

                  

Every summer it seems we get many requests from parents asking us to help their school-age sons find something to read.  Many times these boys are reluctant readers. Connecting a child with a book he is eager to read is one of our greatest pleasures!

Did you know there are also great websites that have book suggestions for boys, tips for getting boys to read, and more?

Guys Read, a web-based literacy program for boys is a great place to start.  It was begun by author (and Flint, MI native) Jon Scieszka, named in 2008 as the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

Boy Meets Book is also an excellent website for finding books boys will like and tips for parents of boys. This website was created by Michael Sullivan - teacher, librarian, chess instructor, author, storyteller, and expert on boys and reading.

One of my favorite websites for reading about children's books is KidsReads.com. Besides the Great Books for Boys list, other features include lists of new books, series books, and books into movies as well as trivia, author interviews, contests and more.

For other reading lists for boys, try BoysRead.org and Parents Choice Book List for Boys. 

Domino ceasing publication was a sad day for many shelter magazine lovers everywhere.  Sure, we can still look at the book and there are plenty of great home design magazines and blogs out there but something was missing... until now.  Enter Michelle Adams. A former Domino employee, fabric designer, and Michigan State University graduate, Adams is Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the online magazine Lonny.  

Lonny's fifth issue is now online.  I suggest you take some time to explore it and the other four issues.  While not available in print, Lonny provides readers with the cool option of direct links to the stores and merchandise it features.  

What's the 5th book in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson?  The author's first name is Marilyn and she writes a mystery series--who could she be?  Has James Lee Burke written more than the Dave Robicheaux series?

The What's Next Books in Series database (compiled by the Kent District Library) is one of our favorite sites for answering questions about all things related to book series.  It's bound to become a favorite of yours, too.

AP tests are coming up and the library has a FREE way for you to take AP practice exams online.  Here is how you do it:
Go to our web site at elpl.org  Click on "Research" in the green band under our library name.  Then click on "Alphabetical List of All Databases"   Scroll down to "Learn a Test"  Choose East Lansing Public Library in the drop-down menu.  Then enter your name and library barcode number.  You will have to register as a new user, and the you will have your own free, private account.
On the left hand side of the page, under Learning Centers, click on "College Preparation". Then you will see a selection of tests - the Advanced Placement Tests are the second one listed.
Questions?  Call the Reference Desk  at 351-2420  ext. 3
Good luck on your tests!

Librarian's Recommended Pages

This page contains a long A - Z list of useful websites for everything from Automotive appraisal, to English as a second language, and even information about health and medicine. The page can also be accessed from our site under Research => Librarian's Recommended Pages, or by searching the site for "Librarian's links." To get started click here or on the globe to the left.

2010 is almost upon us, and you know what that means? Time to be counted! The U.S. Census is taken every 10 years and helps determine the following:

• Locations for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, and more.
• Locations for supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and other facilities.
• How many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the boundaries of legislative districts.