LIVERPOOL — Those balancing on the digital divide can find walk-in catch-up help available at the Liverpool Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
The program is titled Drop-In Tech Help with Digital Navigators, and its available thanks to the rebirth of the nonprofit organization LiteracyCNY.
LiteracyCNY Volunteer Coordinator Lydia Torres has put together a roster of individuals ready to offer help to those who feel behind in the world of websites, email addresses, smart phones, tablets, Wi-Fi and so much more.
The organization, currently an offshoot of LiteracyRochester, also runs sessions from 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays at the Onondaga County Public Library’s downtown central branch and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at Baldwinsville Public Library.
The Liverpool Public Library has ChromeBooks available for patrons to use during the sessions.
According to LPL librarian Naif Abraham, patrons using the new program can get help with:
• Navigating your laptop, tablet, or smartphone
• Moving, copying, and organizing files and folders
• Connecting to wireless networks
• Staying connected with friends and family
• Signing up for government benefits
• Creating and using email accounts and working with attachments
• Finding and applying for jobs
• Writing resumes and cover letters
• Word processing on Microsoft Word and Google Docs
It can be difficult to reach people who need help with digital needs because they may not see promotions for the event online, Abraham said. He hopes people who may read this article will tell family or friends they know need help with digital devices about the walk-in sessions.
Abraham said he’s seen signs that the sessions are working in the first several weeks of availability.
“One of our patrons came in and said he had a laptop he’d bought and he’d never even opened the laptop,” Abraham said. “Lydia sat with him for three hours and walked him through it from start to finish. He’s coming back for more sessions.”
The sessions are listed on the LPL website calendar page: lpl.org/events.
