By 1812Blockhouse
If your New Year plans include finally getting comfortable with Excel, dipping a toe into 3D design, or just figuring out how the library’s new catalog actually works, January is a good month to show up at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library.
The library’s tech classes this month are practical, focused, and paced for real people, not power users who already know everything. They are open to adults and teens, and all sessions are being held at the Main Library while the new tech lab is under construction.
Registration is required. You can sign up online at mrcpl.org or call 419.521.3146 to reserve a seat.
Excel Beyond the Basics
Thursday, January 15, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
This class is for anyone who already knows their way around Excel but feels stuck at the “I know there’s more I could be doing” stage. You’ll move into functions, advanced formatting, filtering, sorting, and charts. If spreadsheets play any role in your job or personal projects, this is one of the most immediately useful sessions on the schedule.
Intro to 3D Modeling with Tinkercad
Friday, January 16, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
This is where things get creative. Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D modeling program that makes design approachable without dumbing it down. The class covers how to create, modify, and export 3D models, with an eye toward eventually pairing those skills with the library’s 3D printer services.
You will need an email address to create a Tinkercad account, and basic computer skills are expected. If you have ever wondered how people actually get started with 3D printing, this is the on-ramp.
Excel Pivot Tables
Thursday, January 22, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Pivot tables intimidate a lot of people, mostly because they sound more complicated than they are. This advanced Excel class focuses on using pivot tables to explore and summarize data in ways that save time and reduce manual work. If you deal with large lists, reports, or recurring datasets, this session can fundamentally change how you work.
New Catalog, New Tools: Aspen Discovery
Friday, January 23, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Ontario location
The library has rolled out Aspen Discovery as its new catalog search tool, and this class is designed to help patrons actually use it well. You’ll learn how to search more effectively, place holds, and navigate the updated system. This session is shorter and very practical, especially for frequent library users.
PowerPoint The Basics
Thursday, January 29, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
This introductory class walks through slides, themes, and the fundamentals of working with text and images. It’s ideal if you have avoided PowerPoint or only learned it in a trial-by-fire work setting. The goal here is comfort and clarity, not flashy presentations for their own sake.
A quick word of advice
If you are on the fence, pick the class that solves a current frustration rather than the one that sounds most impressive. These sessions work best when you can apply the skill immediately, even in a small way. And if Excel has been quietly annoying you for years, January might be the right time to deal with it.
