BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – The Rockingham Free Public Library (RFPL) in Bellows Falls, Vt., will host free basic digital literacy training workshops for the community this autumn to help close the digital divide. RFPL is among 215 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) this year to conduct digital literacy workshops using new www.digitallearn.org resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct workshops using DigitalLearn training materials, to help patrons build skills and confidence using technology.
Topics include computer basics, internet basics, email basics, cyber security, and video conferencing. Classes will be offered twice a week, and patrons can progress their skills through the workshops. Classes are free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but is encouraged. For more information, please contact reference and historical collections librarian Pamela Johnson-Spurlock at reference@rockinghamlibrary.org, or visit our website at www.rockinghamlibrary.org.
Below is a listing of all the workshops. Each workshop will be offered twice within the same week.
Computer Basics, Monday, Nov. 13, and Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to navigate the Windows 10 operating system, manage applications using the task manager, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more.
Internet Basics, Monday, Nov. 20, and Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 a.m. In this workshop, we will introduce newly connected users to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines, and websites.
Email Basics, Monday, Nov. 27, and Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 a.m. Attendees will create a Gmail account, learn how to perform basic email functions like sending, receiving, and replying to an email, recognize, and deal with spam, organize and delete emails, and search for messages.
Cyber Security, Monday, Dec. 4, and Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 10:30 a.m. Learn how to be safer online with accounts and passwords, and an overview of frauds and scams.
Video Conferencing Basics, Monday, Dec. 11, and Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 10:30 a.m. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to create an account on a popular video conferencing platform (Zoom), and build confidence when using features of the platform in an online meeting.
These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.rockinghamlibrary.org, email reference@rockinghamlibrary.org, call the library at 802-463-4270, or stop by the Library at 65 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, Vt.