Tech Support Night at the Downieville Library

As a child, my parents instilled in me a love of reading. My mother would take me to the library and help me select books to read at bedtime. Some of my fondest memories are of her reading Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder to me. My father spent hours helping me practice reading aloud, always ending the lesson by saying, “Reading is the fastest way to become smart.”

One summer, our local library had a reading challenge. For every book read, you would receive a small prize. My parents decided to sweeten the pot and promised to pay me $1 for every book I read. I made over $100 that summer—and grew to love visiting libraries.

Technology has changed a lot in our society, particularly how we access books and resources. It’s now very rare that I walk into my local library branch, but that doesn’t mean I use the library any less. Today, I can access so many library resources from home. It’s incredible! I often download audiobooks to my phone and listen to them on my daily commute to work. Sometimes, I download eBooks and read them on my tablet at night. And that’s just a small sample of the amazing, free resources available with a library card.

Recently, I’ve been working on a digital literacy program here in Sierra County. Part of the program is to increase public internet access and provide digital literacy training. I’ve helped sponsor three classes taught by the Sierra County School for Adults, and these classes will continue in the fall. Each of our library branches is also receiving new computers and printers.

As part of this effort, beginning this month, I’ll be offering free monthly technology office hours at the Downieville Library. These office hours will provide an opportunity for community members to get one-on-one assistance in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or computer? Need help setting up an app, navigating email, connecting to Wi-Fi, managing photos, or learning more about online safety? Bring your questions! No question is too basic, and you don’t need to be a technology expert to take advantage of the office hours.

I’ll be available from 6 – 7 PM on the following library nights:

• September 14

• October 12

• November 9

• December 14

Technology should be a tool that makes our lives easier, not something that leaves us feeling frustrated or behind. I hope these office hours will give members of our community a chance to ask questions, learn something new, and feel a little more confident using the technology that has become such an important part of our everyday lives.

And perhaps, in a small way, it will bring me back to the library that helped make me a lifelong learner in the first place.