August Events at Minnetonka Libraries

It’s cramming time — only a few short weeks left to enjoy great summer reading and library programs before back-to-school preparation begins.

Hennepin County Library’s “Bookawocky” summer programs for kids and teens wrap up in August with storytimes, book clubs, arts programs, online activities and more (all free).

Libraries offer free programs for adults, too — including author programs, computer classes, small business consultations and job search assistance.

Access Hennepin County Library's complete program schedule, the catalog, BookSpace and web pages for teens, kids and parents of young children, information about the Friends of the Hennepin County Library and other library information.

The following activities are scheduled in August at the two Hennepin County libraries in Minnetonka:

Family Storytime
Thursday, Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. at  

For children age 2 and up. Share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement with your children. 
Friends Meeting
Monday, Aug. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. at Minnetonka Library 
General membership meeting. Join fellow library enthusiasts to hear what's happening at Hennepin County Library. Help support your local library by planning and volunteering at book sales, programs, and special events. The Friends look forward to meeting you. 

Computer Skills Workshop
Thursdays, Aug. 2, 23 & 30, 1-3 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
  or call 952-847-8847.
Work on projects and practice skills from using the mouse and keyboarding to using email and Microsoft Office with our software instructors and volunteer assistants. 

OpenOffice: Basics
Thursday, Aug. 2, 4-6 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Registration required; began July 5; limit 10. OpenOffice is a free, multiplatform office suite that can be used to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Learn how to use OpenOffice in the library and how to download and install the program at home or work. 

Socrates Café
Thursdays, Aug. 2-30, 7 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Sit back and philosophize with your friends and neighbors. The topic is decided by popular vote at the beginning of the meeting. All welcomed; no experience necessary. The concept of Socrates Café is based on the book of the same name by Christopher Phillips. 

Microsoft Excel: Simple Budgets
Saturday, Aug. 4, 3-5 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Registration required; began July 7; limit 10. Download and adapt a budget template from the Microsoft Office website. Learn to identify and alter the formulas to suit your own needs. Prerequisite: Microsoft Excel: Basics or familiarity with spreadsheets is highly recommended. 

Teen Anime Club
Monday, Aug. 6, 4-5:30 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Entering grades 6-12. Can't get enough anime? Join up to watch and review brand-new anime episodes, share artwork and hang out with other anime fans. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgedale Library.

SCORE® Small Business Consultations 
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 1-4 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Meet with a business counselor to develop your business plan, discuss a new idea or tackle a business problem. Consultations are free and confidential. Walk-ins welcome. 
Presented in collaboration with SCORE.

Conductor's Notes: Robert and Clara
Monday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Registration required; begins July 16; limit 100. Catch a glimpse of one of the most heart-warming love stories in the history of classical music. Acclaimed international conductor Mischa Santora will discuss the secret love letters between Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck, followed by Schumann’s music. See related materials for further information. Find more by searching the library catalog or Ask Us. 
This project is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

Microsoft Excel: Basics
Tuesdays, Aug. 21 & 28, 1-3 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
  or call 952-847-8847.
Learn the basics of working with an Excel spreadsheet: navigation, entering data and using formulas. 

Microsoft Word: Basics
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
  or call 952-847-8847.
Learn how to use the ribbon, enter and delete text, basic formatting, cut, copy and paste; and when to use 'save' and 'save as.' 

Microsoft Excel: Creating and Managing Lists
Thursday, Aug. 23, 4-6 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Registration required; begins July 26; limit 10. Learn to create lists (inventory, contact or collection, etc.), sort data and print using Microsoft Excel. Prerequisite: Microsoft Excel Basics or familiarity with spreadsheets is highly recommended. 


Microsoft PowerPoint: Multimedia Tips
Tuesday, Aug. 28, 6-8 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
Registration required; begins July 31; limit 10. Use multimedia tips and tricks such as auto transitions, audio and video to dress up your presentations. Prerequisite: Microsoft PowerPoint: Basics or familiarity with presentation software is highly recommended. 

Computer Class for Complete Beginners
Thursday, Aug. 30, 4-6 p.m. at Ridgedale Library 
  or call 952-847-8847.
Learn the difference between hardware and software, practice using a mouse and keyboard. Find out more about computer training resources at the library. For students with little or no experience using a computer. 

Hennepin County Library - Online

read.write.draw
Monday, June 11-Sunday, Aug. 19 
Entering K-grade 6. What are you reading this summer? Tell other kids by creating a short review at your local library or online. Each review earns you a chance to win a free book each week. Your reviews will help other kids find great books to read.

Teen Girls Only Book Club Online 

Monday, July 30-Friday, Aug. 3 
Registration required; began July 2; limit 20. Girls entering grades 6-8. Join other girls to talk about a great book! Participate in the book discussion through www.teenlinks.org, Monday-Friday, any time of day. You must have a current email address (may use family email) and Internet access (you can use a computer at the library, at home or a mobile device) to participate. 

Kids Book Club Online
Monday, Aug. 6-Friday, Aug. 10 
Registration required; began July 9; limit 20. Entering grades 4-6. Join other kids (guys and girls) to talk about a great book! Participate in the book discussion through www.kidlinks.org, Monday-Friday, any time of day. You must have a current email address (may use family email) and Internet access (you can use a computer at the library, at home or a mobile device) to participate.