Yarra Libraries bridging the digital divide
Tuesday 11 August 2020
During these times of social distancing, one of the easiest ways to stay connected with family and friends is to use the internet. Although our libraries are currently closed, services and resources like daily newspapers (including The Age) and book chat discussion groups continue to be provided online.
Unfortunately, over 2.5 million Australians are unable to get online; unable to FaceTime, stream movies or send an email, limited by access to technology or lacking confidence to navigate the web safely.
As an accredited eSmart service, member of the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance, partner of the Be Connected Network and facilitator of the Digital Springboard program, Yarra Libraries is working to increase digital literacy and confidence through confidence-building learning programs in both English and Chinese with partners including Google, Good Things Foundation, Infoxchange, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation and Telstra Foundation.
When I first came to the library, I didn’t know how to use a computer. The librarians helped me learn to use my iPad and Macbook to access Facebook and talk to my family overseas. – Dũng (Library member).
Thanks to a grant from the Good Things Foundation, older residents currently participating in the library’s Be Connected program will soon be able to borrow an iPad pre-loaded with mobile data to continue their learning and to stay connected with the world while at home.
Digital Coaching
Library branches might be closed, but you can still get computer help over the phone or online! If you or someone you know needs help getting started with their iPad, navigating privacy settings on Facebook, understanding “the Cloud”, or the quirks of Microsoft Word or Excel, our library staff can coach you through many minor technology issues and empower you with resources to keep learning more.
Book a Digital Coaching session by calling 1300 695 427 or filling out this online request form
Although our branches are closed, Yarra Libraries provides a wide range of free online resources and it's free to join online!
Why not take a break from working from home and take some time for yourself; pick-up a new skill with video tutorials from Linkedin Learning or learn a new language with Mango. Discover our online resources.