By Frances Smith / Community Columnist

Whether you want to find a job, get homework help, fix a car or explore your family tree our library offers free, helpful online resources.

Tracing ancestors is easier with Ancestry® Library Edition. It allows various search modes including: surnames, slave and military records. It is available on our library’s Internet computers in our reference department.

‘Do-it-yourselfers’ of all skill levels can get reliable automotive help 24/7 through ChiltonLibrary, available at alabasterlibrary.org. It is continually updated and provides access to repair and maintenance information, procedures, trouble codes, photos, illustrations and videos. Recalls and service bulletins can be accessed, also.

Another online tool is HomeworkAlabama. It offers help from subject specialists Sunday through Thursday, 3-10 p.m. for math, science, social studies and English for students in K3 through grade 12, college intro and adult learners.

A SkillsCenter Resource Library is offered 24/7. Access services from a library computer, home computer or mobile device. Also available is real-time job search assistance. HomeworkAlabama is made possible by the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) through local public libraries with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through their Library Services and Technology Act grant program as well as state funds appropriated by the state Legislature specifically for this program.

In addition, we thank APLS for its support in funding for our new self-checkout machine, catalog computers and a color printer for patrons.

Kids Programs:

• Story Times – Tunes & Tales Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m., and Toddler Tales Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
• Lego League – Oct. 4, 4-4:45 p.m. For all ages but kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult.
• Homeschool Happening: Finding Your Family Tree – Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Our reference librarian introduces Ancestry Library Edition for students in grades 1 through 12. Kids 6 years old must be with an adult. Sign up.
• Fun on a Bun – Oct. 13, 4 p.m. Teen Read Week is Oct. 9-15 and the theme is “Read for the Fun of It.” Young Adults age 11 to 18 can sign up for a light dinner, “book bites” and more.
• American Girls Club – Oct. 21, 4 p.m. Girls age 7 and older can model in a costume fashion show. Sign up.
• Pete the Cat Book Club – Oct. 25, 6 p.m. For age 5 and older, but kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult. Sign up.
• Throwback Thursday: Spooky Supersize Candy Land – Oct. 27, 4:15 p.m. Tweens and teens age 11 to 18 can trick or treat through our ‘spooky’ Candy Land Game. Sign up.
• Costume Capers – Oct. 31, 4:15 p.m. Youngsters can trick or treat through our supersize Candy Land game (not spooky) from 4:15-4:45 p.m. After that they can enjoy magician Russell Davis!

Adult Programs:

• Computer Classes – Wednesdays at 10 a.m. – Oct. 5 Microsoft Excel 2013 Part 2; Oct. 12 Computer Basics; Oct. 19 Basic Internet and Email. Sign up.
• ABC & Ds of Medicare – Oct. 10, 1 p.m.
• Library Book Group – Oct. 20, 7 p.m. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
• Reverse Mortgage Basics – Oct. 24, 1 p.m. Facts from John Littleford, reverse mortgage professional, NMLS #1452250.

Programs are in the meeting room.