Learning new skills, especially digital ones, can be exciting and intimidating. That's why Abington Township Public Library (ATPL-) is excited to team up with AARP Foundation, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), and its flagship program, Senior Planet, to provide the Digital Skills Ready@50+™ program in our community beginning July 2022. Senior Planet instructors will teach lectures, hands-on workshops, or multi-week sessions remotely to older adult learners. Classes will be hosted at the Abington Free Library. More information about this offering can be found at abingtonfreelibrary.org/tech-learning. 

More than thirty-seven million adults over 50, or one in three, either live in or are at risk of falling into poverty. During the pandemic, millions of older adults — especially women and people of color — have experienced further financial hardship as they lost jobs or income, while demand for digital skills in the labor market has also accelerated. The Digital Skills Ready@50+™ program will help increase the economic security of the most vulnerable and keep moving PA Forward as adult learners get fluent with computers, the Internet, online privacy, and security.  

Elizabeth Fitzgerald, ATPL’s Executive Director explains, “Older adults come to us seeking our help and services for everyday needs, such as renewing their vehicle registrations online, getting started with email to connect with relatives or friends, downloading a digital audiobook on their mobile devices, uploading documents or printing photos of grandchildren, and exploring job or volunteer opportunities. Our partnership with AARP is a natural extension of our commitment to deliver relevant and high impact programming that boosts a vital foundational literacy. We want our adult learners to thrive and become confident, successful, and enthusiastic online users, walking firmly-footed during their tech learning journey.”  

To further support digital literacy needs in the community, Abington Township Public Library offers essential hardware like loanable Chromebooks with Internet access and hotspots as well a rich collection of streaming services and eResources on our digital branch at abingtonfreelibrary.org.  ATPL will also be recruiting young adult volunteers as hands-on helpers to reap the rich benefits of intergenerational engagement: joy, growth mindset, and overall wellness.  We do not want anyone left behind. 

To learn more, visit abingtonfreelibrary.org/tech-learning