Tech Help for Seniors

Seniors, get one-on-one technology support for your personal device (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This program is staffed by tech support volunteers with expertise in working with adults age 60 and older to navigate the digital landscape. Bring your own device, or a ......More

Seniors, get one-on-one technology support for your personal device (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This program is staffed by tech support volunteers with expertise in working with adults age 60 and older to navigate the digital landscape. Bring your own device, or a library computer will be available. Registration required. Please call the library at 612-543-5800 to make an appointment for one 45-minute session. Registration is limited. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call the library to open a spot for another patron. Collaborator: Senior Community Services (SCS). Please note: This Tech Help for Seniors program with SCS is for people age 60+. This age limit is a condition of the funding for this program provided by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. If you are younger than 60, please see the additional Tech Help programs provided at other Hennepin County libraries.

To Stream or Not to Stream...

For those thinking of "cutting the cord" on cable or satellite service or wondering what people mean when they say "streaming TV," we'll provide guidance and explanations. We'll cover smart TVs and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, including costs. We'll als......More

For those thinking of "cutting the cord" on cable or satellite service or wondering what people mean when they say "streaming TV," we'll provide guidance and explanations. We'll cover smart TVs and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, including costs. We'll also provide tips for choosing the right option(s). Collaborator: Senior Community Services.

Friends of the Penn Lake Library Adult Book Club

Join our discussion of new and interesting fiction and nonfiction titles. A limited number of lending copies will be available at the service desk. The book club meets the second Thursday of every month. Collaborator: Friends of the Penn Lake Library. Sponsor: Friends ......More

Join our discussion of new and interesting fiction and nonfiction titles. A limited number of lending copies will be available at the service desk. The book club meets the second Thursday of every month. Collaborator: Friends of the Penn Lake Library. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library. February 12: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese March 12: Trust by Hernan Diaz April 9: A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Karen Fedarko

Nature in Your Neighborhood: Winter

You don't have to leave your neighborhood to explore nature! Join a Refuge Ranger to investigate what our animal neighbors do to survive the winter. Activities will be both indoors and outside and are geared toward elementary-aged students, but all are welcome. We will......More

You don't have to leave your neighborhood to explore nature! Join a Refuge Ranger to investigate what our animal neighbors do to survive the winter. Activities will be both indoors and outside and are geared toward elementary-aged students, but all are welcome. We will finish the program with a take-home project. Materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Collaborator: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Friends of the Penn Lake Library Mystery Book Club

Join our discussion of new and interesting mystery and thriller titles. A limited number of lending copies are available at the Penn Lake Library service desk. Collaborator: Friends of the Penn Lake Library. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library. January 21:......More

Join our discussion of new and interesting mystery and thriller titles. A limited number of lending copies are available at the Penn Lake Library service desk. Collaborator: Friends of the Penn Lake Library. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library. January 21: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel February 18: Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourne March 18: While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams April 15: My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor

Connect and Play

For children ages birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. Connect with your child during this drop-in program exploring interactive early literacy activities. Siblings welcome.

Job Search Assistance

Get one-on-one assistance from a Goodwill-Easter Seals representative with your job search, writing your résumé, finding job leads, or connecting with community resources and training programs. No appointment necessary. Collaborator: Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota.

Tech Help for Seniors

Seniors, get one-on-one technology support for your personal device (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This program is staffed by tech support volunteers with expertise in working with adults age 60 and older to navigate the digital landscape. Bring your own device, or a ......More

Seniors, get one-on-one technology support for your personal device (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This program is staffed by tech support volunteers with expertise in working with adults age 60 and older to navigate the digital landscape. Bring your own device, or a library computer will be available. Registration required. Please call the library at 612-543-5800 to make an appointment for one 45-minute session. Registration is limited. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call the library to open a spot for another patron. Collaborator: Senior Community Services (SCS). Please note: This Tech Help for Seniors program with SCS is for people age 60+. This age limit is a condition of the funding for this program provided by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. If you are younger than 60, please see the additional Tech Help programs provided at other Hennepin County libraries.

Utility Bills Skills

Join us for this resource fair that offers valuable resources to help you manage and lower costs on your utility bills, including how to save money on electric, gas, water, and waste bills. Learn how to navigate your utility bills, apply for assistance, and implement r......More

Join us for this resource fair that offers valuable resources to help you manage and lower costs on your utility bills, including how to save money on electric, gas, water, and waste bills. Learn how to navigate your utility bills, apply for assistance, and implement resource-saving tips for your home. Collaborators: Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota; City of Bloomington Sustainability Commission; City of Bloomington Solid Waste Commission; Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County.

Pom Pom Pal (Ornament or Keychain)

Grades 2-7. Create a colorful and curious little pom pom pal using yarn and a pom pom maker tool! Add personality with googly eyes and other glue-able embellishments. Choose whether your crafty creature will become an ornament or keychain. Materials provided. Collabora......More

Grades 2-7. Create a colorful and curious little pom pom pal using yarn and a pom pom maker tool! Add personality with googly eyes and other glue-able embellishments. Choose whether your crafty creature will become an ornament or keychain. Materials provided. Collaborator: Textile Center. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tech Help for Seniors

Seniors, get one-on-one technology support for your personal device (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This program is staffed by tech support volunteers with expertise in working with adults age 60 and older to navigate the digital landscape. Bring your own device, or a ......More

Seniors, get one-on-one technology support for your personal device (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This program is staffed by tech support volunteers with expertise in working with adults age 60 and older to navigate the digital landscape. Bring your own device, or a library computer will be available. Registration required. Please call the library at 612-543-5800 to make an appointment for one 45-minute session. Registration is limited. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call the library to open a spot for another patron. Collaborator: Senior Community Services (SCS). Please note: This Tech Help for Seniors program with SCS is for people age 60+. This age limit is a condition of the funding for this program provided by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. If you are younger than 60, please see the additional Tech Help programs provided at other Hennepin County libraries.

Friends of the Penn Lake Library Adult Book Club

Join our discussion of new and interesting fiction and nonfiction titles. A limited number of lending copies will be available at the service desk. The book club meets the second Thursday of every month. Collaborator: Friends of the Penn Lake Library. Sponsor: Friends ......More

Join our discussion of new and interesting fiction and nonfiction titles. A limited number of lending copies will be available at the service desk. The book club meets the second Thursday of every month. Collaborator: Friends of the Penn Lake Library. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library. February 12: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese March 12: Trust by Hernan Diaz April 9: A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Karen Fedarko