JAMESTOWN, NY -- Prendergast Library will offer several new classes this spring in cooperation with Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES with support from the New York State Library’s Adult Literacy Library Services grant program.

Krista Bellis, an instructor from Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, works with Crystal Gowan at Prendergast Library. She will teach some of the new grant-funded classes scheduled at the library January through May. (Submitted photo)

A series called Professional Skills includes three 10-hour courses on Teaching Adult Learners, Effective Communication, and Workplace Skills.

The other series, Role Model Readers, offers classes for adults who want to read to their children or grandchildren and help them be successful readers.

All instruction is free and open to the public. To sign up, call 484-7135, Ext. 225, or stop at the information desk.

Teaching Adult Learners is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays either Jan. 31, Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 or March 6, 13, 20 and 27.

This course will cover characteristics of adult learners and techniques to sustain their attention. It will show how to convey information while appealing to different learning styles.

It is designed for anyone who teaches adults or makes presentations to groups.

Effective Communication will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. either on Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 or on Fridays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

This class will focus on job-related competencies by alternating between Writing Skills and Introduction to Computers.

Workplace Skills will consist of five two-hour sessions from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays, February 3 through February 24 plus March 2. Another section will offer four 2 ½ hour classes from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 9 – 30.

This course will focus on the unemployed and underemployed, transferable skills, and techniques for job searching, resume development and interviewing.

The goal is to help area residents, especially those who are unemployed or underemployed, enhance their job and computer skills.

Role Model Readers is designed for adults who want to give their children or grandchildren the love of reading. It will offer tips to foster the desire to read and develop the tools to be a successful reader. Instruction may include selection of age-appropriate books, familiarity with words and pictures, and principles of oral interpretation.

The reading course includes five 2 ½ hour classes on Wednesdays. Session 1 runs from February 15 through March 21. Session 2 takes place March 28 through May 2 in the Literacy Room and Conference Room at the library.

Prendergast Library is located at 509 Cherry St., Jamestown. For information, call 484-7135.