Check It Out
by CONNIE BROOKS
The slower pace of winter break is definitely in the past. The Kyle Public Library is full of people attending programs and checking out books, audio books and DVDs. Chairs are filled with people perusing newspapers and magazines and tapping away on laptops. The computers, fax machine, photocopier and printer are all humming. People linger in front of the bulletin board, looking over upcoming events and the employment listings compiled by staff member Joel Ysla.
There is still room available in the basic computer class taught in Spanish on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning January 31. (Todavía hay tiempo para asistir a las clases en español de computación básica comenzando el 31 de enero los lunes de 9 a.m. a 10 a.m.)
For the ninth year, the Kyle Public Library is partnering with VITA, the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. VITA offers free tax help to low-income people who need help preparing their own tax returns, and the library provides free electronic filing. Slots are available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, from February 5 through April 9. If you would like to help with VITA, the library still needs volunteers (especially people who can speak both English and Spanish) to help organize people, prepare taxes, do quality review and translate.
Teresa Montalvo is teaching weekly classes to help people prepare for U.S. citizenship. The classes meet on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. through February 10. Teresa, a native Spanish speaker, explains the citizenship process in both English and Spanish. She reviews civics and history questions and helps people fill out the application forms. Class members also practice taking the oral and written tests. (Please note that Teresa does NOT give legal advice.)
John Cervantez continues to volunteer his time teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) on Saturdays from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thelma Wilborn, a licensed registered dietitian, will present a free nutrition class called “Heart Smart Eating Tips” on Monday, February 7 from 6-7 p.m.
To sign up for any of these opportunities, please call the Kyle Public Library at 268-7411, email [email protected], or simply drop by the library at 409 W. Blanco St. and express your interest. See you at the library!
