Sometimes you don't want to commit yourself to a course or project - or the costs - without knowing whether it's really your cup of tea.
Now you can get the chance to dabble a bit - for free - at something you think you'd really like to do, thanks to Adult Learners' Week, which takes place between 10 and 16 May.
You could have a go at surfing the net, have a go at DJ-ing, do a drama workshop, look at starting a new career-like working with children, or maybe you fancy doing an Open University course but don't know which one.
You could have a go at singing, get into music or books, get advice on buying a computer, learn to send e-mail or even find out how the EU affects Coventry, by asking a former MEP.
There's loads going on all week - it's local to you, and free!
The Coventry Lifelong Learning Group, which is organising the city's event organising the city's event, has a free Bitesize bookings line you can call on 0800 169 4841 to get a place on a course.
But first - take at look at the things on offer. There's a real mixed bag of fun and useful stuff.
听| 听 |  | Get introduced to the internet
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'Click Start' - Introduction to the Internet
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way
A free workshop using the library's new computer facilities. No previous experience needed. Learn to surf the net and use e-mail. Lots of friendly help on hand, and you can choose a time and day that suits you.
Limited places available. Book on 0800 169 4841.
Sat 10, May: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 3pm
Sun 11 May: 1pm - 3pm
Mon 12 to Thu 15 May: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 3pm, 4pm - 6pm
Fri 16 May:
10am - 12pm, 1pm - 3pm
Buying a Computer
Hagard Community Centre, Robin Hood Road, Coventry
If you are thinking about buying a home PC but don't know where to start, this session will help explain the jargon and look at some of the options.
Sat 10 May: 10am - 12pm
For further details please telephone Hansa Dhokia on 024 7663 9726.
| 听 |  | You can learn anything at all with the OU
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Meet and Greet the Open University
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way
Take the opportunity and come to talk to experienced OU tutors.
There will be a selection of course materials to give you an idea of OU study.
Sat 10 May: 10am - 1pm
If you can't make it on the day, call 0121 428 1550 to talk to an adviser or visit the web site www.open.ac.uk
No need to book, just drop in between the times above.
'Breaking the Barriers' - Drama Workshop
St Peter's Community Centre, Charles Street, Hillfields, Coventry
Join in a drama workshop. Experienced direction from the Shysters Theatre Company.
Games and warm-up exercises will be included. Although this workshop is open to everyone, people with learning disabilities are especially welcome.
Sat 10 May: 11am - 1pm
Please come dressed comfortably for physical activity. Limited availablility. For more details phone 024 7683 2325.
Look After Your Mental Health: Exhibitions
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way and Foleshill Library, Broad Street, Foleshill
Most of us can feel isolated, stressed or just overwhelmed by problems at times.
These FREE exhibitions by Coventry Health Promotion Services look at ways of coping and other health topics.
There are two exhibitions open throughout the Week, one at Central and the other at Foleshill Library.
Sat 10 May - Fri 16 May (every day).
Just come along when the library is open.
For further information please call 024 7624 6095.
A Career in Working with Children - All Your Questions Answered
Wyken Community Centre, Westmorland Road, Wyken
Do you want to work with children? This event will give you insights into early years work in cr猫ches, playgroups and nurseries, as well as main school work. You will find out about the qualifications you need for your chosen age range.
Mon 12 May: 2.45pm - 4.15 pm
Book a free place. Telephone Sue Gascoigne on 024 7661 9367 ext 104 or 105.
| 听 |  | Learn to spin like super-pro Fergie
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So you want to be a DJ?
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way
Join DJ Neil Trix for this exciting free demo of DJ techniques. Learn the basic principles and styles, and see cutting-edge techniques. See cutting, scratching and mixing'and get advice on how to get started as a DJ.
Mon 12 May: 6pm -7.45pm
Not suitable for under 11's.
Limited availability. Book on 0800 169 4841.
For more details phone James on 024 7683 2325.
Join Our Book Group - Or, Set Up Your Own
The Gallery, 20 Earlsdon Street, Earlsdon
Find out what readers' groups are really like. You can become a member (no obligation of course) and even find out how to set up a group of your own. We will be reviewing Donna Tartt's The Little Friend. Copies can be borrowed from Earlsdon Library.
Tues 13 May: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
No need to book. For more details phone Mark Williams on 024 7683 2328.
Think Happy - Be Happy
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way
A talk by Alex Linley from the University of Warwick, about positive psychology - personal well-being, happiness, optimism, wisdom and love. Have your questions answered on this topic and how it might be relevant within your life
Tues 13 May: 11am - 12pm
Book a free place on 0800 169 4841. For more details phone Kay Rainsley on 024 7652 4149.
Europe Under the Spotlight - former MEP Christine Oddy answers your questions
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way
How will the eastern expansion and enlargement of the European Union affect people in Coventry? How does Coventry benefit from the E.U.? Do you know that more laws are passed in Brussels than Britain? Ask your questions.
Tues 13 May: 12.15 - 1.15pm
Book a free place on 0800 169 4841. For further information telephone Kay Rainsley on 024 7652 4149.
Many Voices, One World - Group Singing For The Terrified!
Tile Hill Library, Jardine Crescent, Tile Hill
Develop your singing voice even if you've never sung before - and no music-reading is involved. All singing is in groups - you won't be asked to sing solo!
Tues 13 May: 8pm - 9.30pm
Book a free place on 0800 169 4841. For more details telephone James on 024 7683 2325.
Early Music, Easy Listening
West Orchards Shopping
Centre (Ground Floor
The players are all participants in an evening class run as part of the Open Studies programme.
The classes take place at the University of Warwick. Conductor Val Brodie says:
"During the day we each live busy and varied lives but on Monday evenings we come together to play early music of the 16th and 17th centuries."
Wed 14 May: 11.30am - 12.30pm and 12.45pm - 2.00pm. Just come and listen.
For further information telephone Kay Rainsley on 024 7652 4149.
| 听 |  | Listen to some tunes as you shop
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Introduction to Music Technology
Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way
Looking at technology in today's music industry. Demos of the latest hardware and software, advice on using your computer to produce music and on getting the best from your equipment.
Wed 14 May: 6pm - 7.45pm
Not suitable for under 11's.
Limited availabilty. Book a place on 0800 169 4841. If you have any questions telephone James on 024 7683 2325.
The Stratford and Moreton Railway, Warwickshire's First Railway
Museum of British Road Transport, Hales Street,
William James, the Deputy Recorder of Warwick, was one of the early railway promoters. In 1820 he advocated opening a railway which was to run from Birmingham to London. This resulted in the construction of the Stratford and Moreton Tramway that opened in 1826. Come and hear how he achieved this amazing aim and find out whether anything of it is left today.
Thu 15 May: 12pm- 1.00pm
Book a free place on 0800 169 4841. For further information telephone Kay Rainsley on 024 7652 4149.
The Basics of Sending an E-Mail
Wyken Community Centre, Westmorland Road
This is a straightforward introduction about how to send e-mails. No experience is needed.
Thu 15 May: 12.30 - 2.00pm
Book a free place, call Christine Bloomfield on 024 7661 9367 ext. 107.
English with Computers - for Speakers of Other Languages
Foleshill Library, Broad Street, Foleshill
Improve your communication skills. Learn how to use computers.
Fri 16 May: 10 am - 12pm
Book a place on 0800 169 4841.
For further information telephone Jane Owens on 024 7622 3831.
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