Top Five Free Things to Do at Your Plano Public Library This March

PLANO, TX – Small business resource classes, storytime, art workshops… for free – and virtual?

From preschool to professional, Plano Public Library (PPL) has something for everyone. Not interested in reading? No biggie – PPL is #morethanbooks! See what’s available from your public library to learn at home for all your educating and entertaining needs:

1. Learn all about podcasting and audio editing

PPL has two workshops this month to introduce you to the basics of producing a podcast, including microphone suggestions and recording tips, as well as how to edit your podcast audio using Audacity. 

2. Dive into Microsoft

Microsoft is partnering with PPL to host a series of workshops covering their various products, including Teams, Outlook, LinkedIn, and Excel. Use this registration link for each session you’re interested in; workshops are Fridays at 11 a.m. from March 12 – May 7:

March 12: Fundamentals Microsoft Teams – Chat, meet, call and collaborate with this popular hub for team collaboration. Learn about key features, how to create and navigate Team Meetings for collaboration, customize Teams Chat for workplace productivity and more!

March 19: Fundamentals of Microsoft PowerPoint – Learn to create engaging, powerful and eye-catching presentations using PowerPoint. Discover goal-themed decks, transitions, design ideas, and how to rehearse with a Coach.

March 26: Fundamentals of Microsoft Word – Discover the many new features of Word and improve productivity at home or school. Learn how to create professional documents using Word and tools for productivity including Resume Assistant, Dictation and Immersive Reader, Interview tips, templates and more.

3. Discuss popular authors for tweens

When children choose their own books, their self-esteem increases, and their critical thinking skills improve, along with other literacy skills. A new series coming to PPL is Author Spotlight, where you can discuss popular authors and their books monthly. This program is intended for tweens with parent participation, and meets on Zoom. The next session is covering author Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) and meets on Wednesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. Register here.

4. Hear storytime in Spanish

Join us for Family Storytime featuring books and songs in Spanish / Únase a nosotros para hora de cuentos en familia con libros y canciones en Español! Storytime Around the World: Spanish is an entire storytime in Spanish, available on the library’s YouTube channel. A new video airs on Sundays, March 14 – 28 at 2 p.m. Subscribe for notifications of when videos premiere, or just pop by the channel to watch them afterward.

PPL and Bank of America are teaming up to bring you “Focus on Homeownership”, a workshop where participants will get on the path to buying a home. Come away with an understanding of what you can afford, the importance of credit, and a list of questions to ask mortgage lenders. Focus on Homeownership meets on Thursday, March 25 at 1 p.m.