The Fort Lupton Public Library added a new one to its repertoire of community courses – an introduction to Facebook class.
    Facebook is a social utility website that connects people. It was started in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberger and his college roommates and fellow computer science students. While the site was initially limited to Harvard students, it gradually expanded and is now worldwide.
    Facebook users create a personal profile, add and accept other users as friends, exchange private messages, share status updates and use a chat feature.
    According to Pam Patterson, class instructor at the Fort Lupton Library, the “Facebook for Beginners” class started in June as a way for adults to learn how to use the popular social networking site.
    “They learn how to set up the account, how to manage privacy, upload pictures, find family and friends, and find groups that are of interest,” said Patterson.
    While many generations have been raised to navigate websites such as Facebook, others are just starting to participate in the trend and build an online presence.
    According to Patterson, most of the people taking the class ask a similar first question: “Do I really need to be on Facebook?”
    The question is legitimate. “Saturday Night Live” recently did a sketch about what to do when your mom joins Facebook. People have created sites such as, “Oh Crap. My Parents Joined Facebook” where people send in their parents’ embarrassing posts, messages, photographs or status updates.
    Despite issues kids might have with their parents or grandparents wanting to be friends with them on Facebook, adults have plenty of reasons to participate in social media. It could be getting back in touch with friends from college or high school, networking, promoting a business, organization or cause, or just to feel connected to others outside of their daily routine.
    Patterson said her class is limited to two people at a time for individual help. “The response has been positive,” she said.
    The Fort Lupton Public Library has been teaching free computer classes at the library since 2002. According to Patterson, offering these classes is a part of the library’s mission.
    “With the downturn in the economy, the library has seen increased demand for computer classes,” she said. “People need to apply for a job online or learn new Microsoft Office skills to improve their resume.”
    Facebook is free to use and free to learn about at the Fort Lupton Library.  Contact Patterson at 303-857-7180 or e-mail ppatterson@ftluptonlibrary.org.