The Digital Divide: How local libraries guide seniors through tech troubles

When you think of library events, you may think of storytime for children or authors speaking, but many local libraries have activated a loyal audience: seniors.

Libraries in The Record’s coverage area host events for adults, but several also have events specifically catered to an older crowd. For example, the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library hosts a chair yoga Zoom class, allowing participants to strengthen their bodies while seated.

Beyond creative yoga classes, the libraries also offer courses that provide much-needed technology resources for adults and seniors. Offered both in person and online, the Wilmette Public Library and Winnetka-Northfield Public Library offer myriad programs geared toward helping seniors catch up with the latest technology tools.

Wilmette Public Library

In August, the Wilmette Public Library will host iPhone & iPad iMovie basics and a virtual event called Intro to the Internet.

Lauren Kelly is the library’s digital and maker services manager, and they help coordinate with Jillian McKeown, head of senior services, to create events that support seniors on their technological journeys.

“Some people come in every day, and they build relationships with us because we provide connection, space and safety,” Kelly said. “Sometimes it’s intimidating to get help on something that you perceive as difficult or even threatening.”

The Wilmette Public Library on Monday, July 29, hosted Intro to Androids, where Digital Services Assistant Manager Linnéa Lundberg guided a group of 10 through the basics of their Android devices while also going around the room to support them one-on-one.

Cindy Hill and Terri Rizzo are Wilmette residents who have now attended two Intro to Android events. They both felt that Lundberg has helped them feel more confident when using their phones. 

Like several others, the library offers a “book-a-librarian” service during which library card holders can meet one-on-one with a librarian to have any tech questions answered. Many Intro to Android attendees had previously worked with Lundberg during a book-a-librarian timeslot. 

Winnetka/Northfield Public Library

Like Wilmette, the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library also hosts daytime events for seniors, providing entertainment and education for lifelong learners. 

Coming up in August, the library will feature events for learning how to use browser extensions and Google Docs. They will host a Medicare 101 event and a free meeting with a certified financial planner.

Nick Mall is the Head of Adult Services for the library, and he said they have a volunteer who will come in to help guide guests. Mall said these events and the library staff can act as a “lifeline” to help target the digital divide that can come with age. 

Highland Park Public Library

The City of Highland Park has a large population of seniors and senior living communities. The Highland Park Public Library works to fill in where the community needs it. 

Diana Alvey is the library’s social services coordinator and says their best resource for technology is their “book-a-librarian” service. Alvey refers to herself as “the library’s Google,” as she has helped aging residents make appointments with the DMV, pay their rent, set up their phones and much more. 

As for events, she encourages guests to check out the library’s monthly event called Memory Cafe. Each month, they bring together neurodivergent individuals and caregivers to explore new topics; August’s is “art in nature.”

Alvey said Memory Cafe aims to “invoke memories that are meaningful and invite them to tell stories from their memories without making them feel embarrassed or ashamed about not knowing specific dates or events.”

Glencoe Public Library

The Glencoe Public Library offers plenty of adult events like classic film discussions, visits from a musical theater legend and a garden discussion that are all coming up next month. 

Glencoe Public Library does not hold technology-focused events, but it does have a database that can be accessed through its website, which has several tutorial videos. The Glencoe Academy has videos of the Microsoft and Google suites, social media platforms and computer basics. 

Along with other libraries, Glencoe also offers a “book a librarian” service. Grace Hayek, the head of programs and communications, urges those with tech issues or questions to utilize the service to get specialized help. 

Local libraries can be an underutilized resource for adults, but such events and opportunities provide seniors with a key connection to the digital world. For more information on all the offerings at events at local libraries, be sure to explore your library’s website or give them a call.

Don’t forget about senior centers

The North Shore Senior Center has a campus in Northfield that caters to seniors in the surrounding communities. The nonprofit offers a diverse lineup of events for seniors, caregivers and professionals. 

At the Northfield location, a technology assistance lab is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays. The volunteer staff is there to provide help and answer questions free of charge.

Highland Park Senior Center also offers recreational and educational services for those 50 and older. Many of its free programs require a nominal membership fee, but it also hosts fee-based programming as an alternative. Residents and non-residents can learn more at the city’s page for the senior center, including information on its temporary relocation. 

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