DPL Technology and Facilities Manager Jon Pankow helps an older adult couple use one of the free-use computers at the local library. (Photo submitted)
Technology has become a significant part of everyday life, but many in the community may not have grown up with mobile devices and other digital-age tools, according to staff at the Decorah Public Library.
The library has taken it upon itself to help bridge the gap between area residents and the online world. The library was recently awarded a $5,000 grant through a partnership between AT&T and the Public Library Association to increase digital literacy in the Decorah area. DPL Technology and Facilities Manager Jon Pankow said, while the library’s grant application was focused on assisting older adults and those with little to no digital skills, staff won’t turn away anyone from any age bracket who is interested in learning about modern technology.
“The DPL is proud to be at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in our community,” said Decorah Public Library Director Kristin Torresdal. “Thanks to this successful grant application submitted by library staff, more learners in our county will get connected to vital digital literacy skills and technology resources.”
The library’s $5,000 grant-funded initiative will focus on targeted outreach and training for seniors and users with limited experience to improve basic digital skills and safety. Staff hopes the resources provided through their efforts will help participants maintain independence, access information easily and stay connected with family and friends.
“I see a lot of folks coming in with questions about their devices, and we hear people talking about not knowing if an email is legitimate or if it’s a scam,” Pankow said. “We have folks coming to us regularly, needing help with printing something on the internet or off their phone. So, we know these are needs in the community. That’s what I’m kind of excited about — helping people navigate these online safety concerns and feel more confident online and more connected.”
Pankow went on to explain that many of today’s seniors have adapted and learned to use technology to some degree, but he noted, as technology has evolved, so too have scammers’ strategies.
“The senior age bracket didn’t grow up with the devices, but they’ve had to learn how to use them to stay in touch with family, go shopping or do anything online,” Pankow said. “So, it’s our goal to help those folks learn how to navigate those things as safely as they can. It’s kind of a tricky place out there, and scammers have gotten much better at what they’re doing, and they’re targeting that audience as well.”
DPL will host a variety of workshops on site and at select outreach locations, beginning with its first free program at 11 a.m. on Jan. 15. The presentation, entitled “Cybersecurity Basics,” will take place in the library’s lower level meeting room and will help attendees identify secure websites, create strong and memorable passwords and recognize scams before it’s too late.
The DPL’s goal is to reach a number of learners through the end of May, and then consider the library’s next steps.
“We’re kind of using this grant to help kickstart an increase in our digital literacy programming,” Pankow said. “We’ll be evaluating how these workshops go, and we hope to extend these workshops or some other digital programming into the future.”
Pankow added that, as a free technology hub, the local library is the ideal host for such programming.
“We are a bridge for technology,” he said. “We are a place where people can come to use technology for free. We have public-access computers here, and we have some public-access laptops available. So, we are a community tech resource, and a lot of people come here to use our technology. They may go online to do a job application or write a resume — online shopping or check email. We’re kind of an obvious choice for training like this, and we’re a good resource for folks without financial barriers.
No registration is required for the Jan. 15 program, and the public is welcome. For more information, call Decorah Public Library at 563-382-2717 or visit decorahlibrary.org.
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