Many seniors are facing the problem of feeling disconnected and out of touch due to the rapidly changing world of technology: tablets, PCs, the Internet, Google, email and social media. Unfortunately, the information that seniors need is often only available on websites; phone numbers and a voice on the telephone are almost nonexistent. The classes are designed especially for seniors with hands on training and individual attention provided by trained library staff.

The library has reached out to a population who grew up in a generation that had little or no technology when in school. iPads for Seniors is an opportunity to bring seniors to the Library for a life-changing class. The participants who attended these classes have re-discovered the joy of learning, and have confidence in their new skills. It is another success story in accomplishing our mission: Satisfying the customer’s need to know.

Twenty four classes were held: six in outreach locations and 18 in six different library branches. Class size was limited to ten and 176 seniors received the training. The participants completed pre and post surveys, which queried their level of competency before and after the instruction. Most seniors thoroughly enjoyed the classes, requested additional training, and 100 percent of those surveyed said they would recommend this class to a friend! A testimony to the program’s success, a second grant has been funded to purchase 13 more iPads and more classes are being scheduled which will include additional locations.