Springfield City Library and Brainfuse open Internet world of connections

By Janet Stupak

Yet again your Springfield City Library card is an invaluable resource, as it now provides access to Brainfuse — free live help, available from any computer, for students and learners of all ages.

On the homepage of our website (springfieldlibrary.org), under the heading Resources, click on Online Resources, then Careers, Languages & Education Resources. Brainfuse has been offered through our library for just two months, yet our statistics show 700 sessions with 100 percent of users ready to recommend this learning tool to friends.

This online tutoring resource also offers a job seeker component; also, Spanish-speaking tutors are available.

• The HelpNow component is a unique blend of one-to-one homework help, state-aligned skills building, study tools, test preparation (including SAT/ACT), and writing assistance in a variety of subjects, including math, social studies, science, and English. Qualified tutors are available from 2 to 11 p.m. seven days a week to assist students at any level, from a quick brush up on a subject to more comprehensive help such as term papers and resumes. Students are even able to import worksheets and class notes to share with the expert tutors.
• At the top of the Brainfuse page is the tab to click for adult learners. The Adult Learning Center offers live tutoring for preparing for the U.S. citizenship test; writing a winning resume; Microsoft Office help; and career resources.
• JobNow is one-of-a-kind career assistance that covers all major aspects of job hunting with local as well as nationwide resources.
• Remote access to Brainfuse is available to Springfield City Library cardholders only.

The Brainfuse learning site is in addition to the library’s countless online resources. We provide access to The Republican, other Western Massachusetts newspapers, the Boston Globe and the New York Times, as well as myriad magazines and journals.

Additional databases cover vocations and careers, learning a new language, encyclopedias and biographies. History and genealogy, including access to Ancestry.com when in the library, are especially popular. Let the library help you dig down to the roots of your family tree.

Art, music and literature sites include Freegal music downloads, which gives Springfield City Library cardholders access to more than 7 million songs from some 28,000 labels, including the Sony Music catalog. You’ll be able to add three songs a week to your collection!

In addition to downloading music from the library, you can learn how to borrow and download library eBooks as well as how to find free eBooks from the web.
“EBooks: Getting to Know and Use Them” will be offered at our Indian Orchard branch on Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. Layla Johnston, the new branch manager of Indian Orchard and Brightwood, will lead this program. Please call the branch, (413) 263-6846, for more information.

While on our website, check out the events calendar for a complete listing of programs happening at each of our branches including new storytimes; The Secret of The Secret at the Mason Square Branch; Indian Orchard’s LEGO Questers for youngsters; and Science Squad in the Central Library Children’s Program Room.

The list goes on. Check it out, and I’ll see you at the library!

The Springfield City Library column appears monthly in Neighborhoods Plus. For information about the library and its programs, call Janet Stupak, community relations coordinator, at (413) 263-6828, ext. 422, or visit www.springfieldlibrary.org

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