When Jean Higgins used to sit down with a computer, she felt familiar with the basics, but didn't know how to navigate the daunting amount of websites and information available online. Now, she's learning programs like the browser-based graphic design site Canva after joining the “Access to Technology” program at the Butte County Library.
Aimed at seniors and adults with disabilities, the program helps people learn how to use computers and navigate the web more comfortably — skills that are becoming vital in our increasingly tech-heavy lives.
"Every week, I come in, and I have this nice long list of questions."- Jean Higgins, Access to Technology program participant
Participants can meet with staff one-to-one to coach them on their specific tech goals, which can be as far-ranging as learning how to email, download apps to a smartphone or complete online forms.
"Every week, I come in, and I have this nice long list of questions," Higgins said. "It's like 'what's Wi-Fi calling? Should I use Wi-Fi calling? I don't understand when I would use Wi-Fi calling!' So that's been my thing."
Program participant, James Graham, said he’s been diving into the world of social media in search of gardening tips and cooking inspiration.
"I made my first frittata after watching TikTok," Graham said. "I intend to expand my horizons.”
The library has two full-time staff members who teach most of the lessons. They will travel to any of the six branches scattered across Butte County to meet with clients in the program, and can have regular repeated visits with clients to help work on long-term goals.
Alaina Macarthy, one of the library's tech tutors, said the program covers various devices and skills.
"We have hotspots to access Wi-Fi, laptops, we also have iPads and Kindles,” Macarthy said. “We also help out with people who don't know how to type and want to use dictation. So it's a variety of different skills that we work on."
The program is a partnership between the library and the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services. It’s funded through grants from the California Department of Aging for the next year, and the library is seeking additional funding.
Anyone interested in signing up for the program can fill out an interest form online or by visiting your local Butte County Library branch.
