September Magazines of the Month: Wired and Yoga Journal

The start of the school year is a perfect opportunity to explore new things, whether learning the wonders of multiplication or researching the history of scientific investigation. Carnegie-Stout Public Library is, of course, a great starting point for learning something new. Our September Magazines of the Month display the breadth of our collection, with something to appeal to every interest!

Yoga Journal began publication in 1975, and today has expanded beyond the pages of a magazine to DVDs, books, and conferences across the country. Despite their long history, they devote space each month to provide information to people new to the world of yoga, making this a great resource for beginners and experts alike. You can check out a print copy, download an issue from our Zinio downloadable magazine collection, or check out their website to learn more: www.yogajournal.com

Wired magazine is a published by Condé Nast, and focuses on technology and its effects on the world. Offering insight and coverage of the cutting edge, Wired has something for readers interested in culture, economics, science, and more (the term "crowdsourcing" originated in a Wired article). Check out a copy from the library, or check out their website to learn more: www.wired.com

February Magazines of the Month: Mental Floss & Macworld

Mental Floss is a magazine of entertaining trivia, puzzles, intellectual humor, and general edutainment. The magazine was started by two students at Duke University, and has been publishing eight issues a year since 2001. Regular contributors include A.J. Jacobs, Ken Jennings, and John Green. Their website and blog is packed with even more wacky entertainment:  mentalfloss.com

Mental Floss is one of the titles available through our collection of Zinio downloadable magazines.

Macworld is the oldest continuously published magazine specific to the world of Mac products, with their first issue appearing in 1984. Between their print issues, their website (www.macworld.com), and their weekly podcast, Macworld will keep you up to date on all things Apple.

Macworld is also available through our collection of Zinio downloadable magazines.

Now Available - Author Alerts!

Thanks to the Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation, we have launched a new service for C-SPL users - Author Alerts!

With Author Alerts, you can be the first to know when the library has a new book by your favorite author, new movie with your favorite actor or a new album by your favorite artist. You'll be notified by email or text (your choice!) with a link to the library's catalog to place a hold on the item.

Signing up is easy! On our homepage, go to the E-Branch Library menu and select Author Alerts (or, click here). Click the Start Here button and then select how you would like to be notified, by email or by text (for texts, standard messaging rates apply). You can also enter a screen name, which will allow you to share author lists and reviews.

On the next page, select what materials you would like to be notified about - books, DVD, music, etc. You can change these settings at any time.

Now you're ready to create your first alert! Just enter the first and last name of an author, actor or artist and click continue. If there are multiple matches in the library's catalog, you'll be asked to select the correct name. For instance, I entered Suzanne Collins and there are several close matches. In this case, I've selected the option with the most titles, since I'd like to know when the library adds anything by her (click to enlarge):

Once you've chosen your first alert, you'll be taken to your main alerts page. This is where you can find and add additional authors and see what other users are adding as well. You'll also be able to review the alerts you've signed up for and edit or delete them. You can also change how you receive your alerts by choosing the Edit Settings options at the top of the screen.

If you'd like to see what else the library has by your favorite author/artist/actor, click on the name and you'll be taken to the library's online catalog.

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other library service, you can email us at yourlibrarian@dubuque.lib.ia.us or give a call at (563) 589-4225 ext. 2224. 

Most digital audiobooks now iPod compatible

Most of our downloadable audiobooks are now iPod compatible, including many WMA files. All that's needed is a quick upgrade to OverDrive Media Console v3.2. Click on the following link for more info: http://dbqsioux.lib.overdrive.com/

MP3 Players Ready to Check Out

Are you interested in Carnegie-Stout Public Library's new downloadable audiobooks and music, but you don't have an MP3 player? Hey, no problem. Just check out one of our new MP3 players.

Our sleek Creative Zen Stones can be checked out for 3 weeks at a time. Each player includes a USB cable, rechargable battery, a silicone cover with belt clip, and printed instructions. You can use your own headphones, or we'll sell you a pair of earbuds for one dollar.

To check out an MP3 player, please visit the Library Circulation Desk , or call us at 563-589-4225 option #3 for more information.

OverDrive Downloadable Audiobooks and Music

With Carnegie-Stout Public Library's new OverDrive service, you can browse and search hundreds of great audiobook and music titles and download them to your personal PC or laptop, transfer them to a portable mp3 player, or burn to CDs for your listening pleasure anywhere, anytime. All that's needed is a computer, an Internet connection, and an eligible library card from Carnegie-Stout Public Library. Try it, it's easy!

Click here to start using OverDrive Downloadable Audiobooks and Music

Computer Classes Winter 2008

The latest schedule for Carnegie-Stout's free computer classes has been published. You can view the class schedule at the Adult Services Programs and Events page, or by clicking on this file:

Carnegie-Stout Computer Classes Winter 2008
(PDF, 44 KB)

This winter's series of classes includes an introduction to the Library's new HP Compaq 6710b laptops. Remember, registration is required and seating is limited, so if you’re interested in taking a class this winter, stop by the Library or give us a call today at 563-589-4225 option 4.

New Laptops Available for In-Library Use

Through a Library Foundation grant funded by the Dubuque Racing Association, the Carnegie-Stout Public Library now has 10 Hewlett Packard Compaq 6710b laptops available for in-library use. To check out a laptop, patrons must be City residents over the age of 18 with a valid Library card and a picture ID. Before the first use of a laptop, the Responsibility & Checkout form must be read and signed at the Circulation Service Desk.

"The HP Compaq 6710b works as hard as you do" according to a HP website. The computer has the latest Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz processor, a 15.4 diagonal widescreen, a standard memory of 1 gigabyte plus four USB ports and a DVD-writer optical drive. Windows XP is the operating system.

Adult Services Manager Michelle Hellmer says, "There are often times when all twelve of the terminals in our Internet Services Center are in use, particularly on Wednesday mornings when we offer computer classes. The laptops with wireless Internet access give library users more options during our busiest times."

For more information, call the Library Circulation Desk at 563-589-4225 option #3.

Computer Classes Fall 2007

Do you, or someone you love, need help with computers? Nothing happens when you try to "double click"? Don't worry, the Library has free computer classes!

We're offering a range of classes this fall, from computer basics to overviews of some of the Library's most powerful research databases. For example:

• Our Novelist class will teach you how to find fiction reviews, award-winning titles, discussion guides, author read-alike lists, and more


• Our Newsbank class will teach you how to access full-text articles from the the Dubuque Telegraph Herald and other local and national newspapers


• Our RefUSA class will help you find phone numbers and addresses for individuals and businesses across the U.S.

Remember, registration is required for all computer classes, and seating is limited. So if you're interested in taking a class this fall, stop by the Library or give us a call today at 563-589-4225 option 4.