Sep 5, 2012 By Casey Sirochman 4 min read

As we head back to school, I would be remiss if I did not highlight a few wonderful online resources available to everyone through our website, www.carnegiefreelib.org.

One of the perks of being involved with a library district is the collaboration of monies to purchase databases for everyone to access. One such database, titled “Testing & Education Resource Center,” can help students enrolled in high school through graduate school with practice exams and much more. In addition to building a resume, there are scholarship, financial aide and college searches. High school students can utilize the college prep practice tests such as ACT, SAT and PSAT. Simply create a free, unique log-in and password to use when you utilize this database. Older students can access more than 20 practice career tools for cosmetology, firefighters, postal service, teachers and more. Finally, LSAT, MCAT and GRE practice exams are also available.

For homework questions and research, another free tool provided by the State of Pennsylvania is “Ask Here PA,” accessed online at www.askherepa.org. The online chat sessions are with real librarians and are not just for students but anyone with a question. The site is designed to provide fast answers to your questions in most cases within 15 minutes or less, using information found on the Internet and in proprietary databases funded by libraries.

If your questions involve lengthy research, the librarians will get you started and might provide a referral for you or your question. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to all Pennsylvania residents. During most chat sessions, you communicate with a librarian who does not work at your local library and does not have access to your individual records related to overdue items, renewals and other account specific local library activity. “Ask Here PA” librarians can assist you in finding contact information for your local library.

While you are online, do not forget to check out our free downloadable audiobooks, e-books and new online catalog system at our website. If you get a chance to physically stop by the library, we will offer Technology Tuesdays on Sept. 11, 18 and 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. This program is a drop by, take a number, one-on-one technology tutoring session to teach patrons how to use our new catalog system and the overdrive e-book and audiobook website. Please make sure to bring your e-reader, iPad or iPod device for the audiobooks and online books questions and assistance.

Don’t forget about our other great events. Preschool story hour will be every Wednesday starting Sept. 19 at 11 a.m., bedtime stories sponsored by Pinky Toes Child Car and Development Center for four Mondays in a row starting Sept. 10 through Oct. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m., second genealogical basic class will be Sept. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., self-defense for women will be Sept. 15 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. and yoga at the Yough River Park will be every Saturday in September starting at 9 a.m. And will benefit the Friends of the Connellsville Carnegie Free Library.

Mark your calendar for a book sale benefiting the Friends of the Library on Nov. 3. The library is collecting book donations for the sale at this time. Please no magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries or any reference materials.

Help save our free libraries in Fayette County, volunteer or donate your time and resources today. Like us on Facebook, check out our website and utilize our free services and programs.

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Casey Sirochman is the director/head librarian at Carnegie Free Library. She can be reached at 299 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, or by calling 724-628-1380.