Digital Literacy workshops now available through the Ritzville Library

There is a real need for computer classes in the area that promote digital literacy skills.

Living in an increasingly digital environment both the young and old can benefit from improving their digital literacy skills, whether making themselves more marketable in the business world or learning how to stay in touch with loved ones.

Computer classes are already offered in the computer lab in the Ritzville Public Library basement, though it has come apparent that some physically can’t attend or live too far away.

Last October, the library received $6,121 from the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funds provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The grant will also provide funding to hire knowledgeable presenters on the specific topics to be covered and bring programs to our patrons.

The grant funds paid for eight laptops that the library plans to take to various locations throughout Ritzville and surrounding areas in the next few months to put on a series of hands-on classes.

Feedback from different community groups identified some popular topics to be incorporated in the classes.

Topics include job resources such as, resume help and job search; online banking, social media, Windows 8, content creation including, blogs and websites; basic computer skills like, using email and the internet; Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel; digital photography, and genealogy resources.

The first class in the series is a genealogy workshop presented by Eastern Washington Genealogical Society president Donna Potter Phillips Wednesday, April 15 at the H.E. Gritman Senior Center in Ritzville.

Phillips will present a free hands-on workshop for people working on, or interested in, family history research. Phillips will walk attendees through free internet resources that have a wealth of information.

There will be two sessions covering the same material, one from 2-3:30 p.m. and the second from 6-7:30 p.m.

The library will provide laptops, although attendees are welcome to bring their own.

The workshop is free but anyone interested in attending should register with the library by walk in, email at [email protected] or calling 509-659-1222.

Dates and times for the rest of the series is still being discussed and worked out with the presenters.

Anyone interested in workshops are encouraged to contact the Ritzville Public Library for more information as it becomes available.