LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Library and the Downtown Education Collaborative are partnering to offer three free computer workshops in April. 

“Microsoft Excel Basics” is scheduled for 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 12, followed by “Microsoft Word Basics” from noon to 1:30 p.m. that same day. “Computer Skills for Beginners” will be presented from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 13. All three workshops will take place in the LPL Computer Lab.

Microsoft Excel is a computer spreadsheet program that simplifies tasks such as accounting, designing a schedule, creating a budget or making graphs and other visual aids. The workshop will introduce the software program and lead participants through the creation of a spreadsheet. Other topics will include the creation of an embedded chart and the use of the “auto-calculate” function.

The Microsoft Word workshop will provide an overview of the basic word-processing program by leading participants through the creation of a resume and cover letter. The presentation will also provide insights into document editing.

The Computer Skills for Beginners workshop will help participants gain a familiarity with basic computer skills. They include manipulating the mouse, working with programs in Microsoft Windows and navigating the Internet with Internet Explorer. No previous knowledge or experience with computers is necessary.

“We have scheduled these workshops due to popular demand,” said Sherry Russell, director of the Downtown Education Collaborative. Similar sessions offered last summer filled up quickly.  “The upcoming workshops,” she pointed out, “will offer those skills and more, and in a very user-friendly way. People shouldn’t be afraid to sign up.”

Each workshop will be limited to 15 participants so as to provide everyone with an individual computer work station. In order to guarantee a space, those interested should call or visit the LPL Reference Desk (513-3135) to register in advance.