to take a library course on it.

Conducted by Joanne Brangman, head of the Bermuda National Library, the Library Research Skills for Parents course offered by the Community Education Development programme will begin in the new year.

It is not the first time the library has offered a course for parents on how to properly use its facilities and it comes as a result of the experiences of the staff.

"We're offering it because we see that nine times out of ten, the parents are doing the kid's projects and homework here and at the youth library,'' Ms Brangman said, "that's not what's supposed to happen, but that's what we see''.

"This is an attempt to ease the parent's frustration. They will only need pens and paper for this, we will provide the rest.'' The course is not designed for children, Ms Brangman said, because the library conducts tours and classes for whole classes during the school year.

Ms Brangman said: "I'd prefer to not have children here for the class. The library is always open to teachers who want their classes shown how to use the facilities here.

"But this is particularly designed to focus on adults. Other adults interested in the course are also invited to enrol.

"It is largely a library initiative. We have had one or two requests but this came from within.'' When asked if there was a problem with parents getting overzealous at the library, she said: "It's not a problem if the parents are helping the children. But if the kids are not learning the basic skills of library use, then it's a problem.'' The course, in addition to an introductory tour, will teach how to use a card catalogue and periodical indexes, reference tools, and will touch on Internet use.

Parents have until December 24 to pay $55 to join the course. Late registration will be from December 29 to 31.

Anyone interested in the course can register at the Warwick Community School office on Middle Road Warwick, or at the St. George's Community School office on Texas Road, Southside.

Registration will also be held at the Community Affairs Department at 81 Court Street.

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