Want to be a Tech-Savvy Senior? NPL Has Your Hookup.

October 7, 2025

Digital Inclusion Week is here with a lineup of free programming to help seniors bridge the digital divide

Everyone is glued to their smartphone these days, and it’s not always a good look (especially at the dinner table).

But technology can have a real upside for all ages, especially seniors. If you’re older than 55 and you feel like you’re playing catch-up when it comes to the digital landscape, NPL can help.

Just imagine …

… ordering groceries on your smartphone and having them delivered to your door.
… watching a live feed of your grandson’s little league tournament on your tablet.
… reading bedtime stories to your grandkids over video chat.
… receiving text messages and photos from your niece who’s studying abroad in Italy.

Digital literacy is an integral part of NPL’s mission to educate, inspire and bring people of all ages together—and that includes seniors.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Just in time for Digital Inclusion Week (Oct. 6–10) NPL’s Digital Inclusion team is offering workshops for seniors on artificial intelligence at multiple branches. If you miss out, never fear: tech training for seniors is available throughout the year in the form of lectures, workshops, multi-week courses, and one-on-one support.

Marian Christmon, longtime director of NPL’s Digital Inclusion team, partners with local and national organizations to offer programming that empowers seniors in the ever-evolving world of technology. “We have delivered programming directly to residential retirement facilities over the years, but recently our senior digital literacy programs at library branch locations have been hugely popular,” Christmon said. “What really makes it work is that we provide ongoing support after the program ends, including a help line for seniors to call if they get stuck or need additional support.”

National Partners, Local Volunteers

NPL’s Digital Inclusion team partners with Cyber Seniors to provide a 10-week course led by high school-age volunteers who train seniors on basic digital literacy. The intergenerational aspect is unique and provides a meaningful experience for all involved. There is a graduation ceremony at the end, and each participant and volunteer goes home with a free tablet. Another partner is Senior Planet, the flagship program of AARP. Senior Planet equips local organizations across the country with the tools to help older adults access and use technology effectively. Senior Planet provides NPL with the curriculum and training to offer numerous workshops, lectures, and multi-week courses every year.

But Wait, There’s More!

In addition to workshops and courses, NPL’s Book-A-Librarian program supports digital literacy for all patrons, providing one-on-one tech support by appointment. Each session provides individualized help with troubleshooting personal devices, using library computers and printers, and accessing the Library’s multitude of online resources, databases, and streaming platforms. Additionally, NPL offers scheduled Digital Drop-ins—and NPL staff are always happy to offer tech support when they can. Just ask!