INDIANAPOLIS — Back in August, Ron Mikkelson got his first smartphone.
"It's been a very steep learning process, but I like the phone," Mikkelson said.
That is why he signed up for a "Cellphone Help 101" class at the Martindale-Brightwood Library.
"Anything I can learn will be helpful," he said.
The class teaches its students about storage, functions and features for both iPhones and Google operating systems.
It is one of the many free classes the Indianapolis Public Library offers to Marion County residents.
At another library across town, there is a class for people want to practice their English. People from Afghanistan, India and the Democratic Republic of the Congo gather to learn common words and phrases.
To see if any classes interest you, just head to programs and events on the library's web page. Your local branch likely posts a class schedule as well.
Other classes include teen painting, financial literacy for kids and introduction to Gmail.
If you are on the road a lot, the library offers free audio books and eBooks with the app, Libby. To stream movies, shows and documentaries, there is the free app, Kanopy.
Looking to try out a new hobby? Check out the web site, Craftsy. It offers tons of instructional videos on everything from cake decorating to photography.
If you are researching an appliance to buy, the library also offers free access online to Consumer Reports.
Keeping your family educated and entertained all for free.
If you do not have a library card, other resources are still available to you:
- 3-D printing
- Story time
- Chair yoga
- Computer skills such as Internet basics, Microsoft Word, and Excel
- Culinary book club
- Paws to Read — reluctant readers or new readers can practice reading aloud one-on-one to a live therapy dog who is always a very patient listener!