The library is partnering with the Greater Portland Council of Governments to offer technology classes to our community through the National Digital Equity Center. 

As part of the Maine Digital Inclusion Initiative, The National Digital Equity Center offers free online learning in the form of interactive instructional webinars, as well as onsite classes at partner locations throughout Maine. Before participating in our free classes and tutoring, each participant must be enrolled in the Maine Digital Inclusion Initiative (MDII) at www.digitalequitycenter.org/enroll.

Please join us for an introductory session so you can get enrolled and have access to not only our onsite programs, but also a wealth of online training resources. Francisco Garcia, Cumberland County Digital Navigator with the National Digital Equity Center, will share information about how this new partnership can empower participants by providing them with essential digital skills that could greatly enhance their personal and professional lives, and also provide an overview of how the NDEC can help library users, particularly older adults, develop essential technology skills. 

NDEC classes fall into three curricula designed for the digital literacy needs of adults where they are in their life – whether it be raising a family, going to school, improving employment opportunities or running a business, or looking forward to retirement and or aging in place:

• For Work & Business – classes designed to help develop workforce and small business skills
• For Home and Education – classes that meet general digital literacy needs and that of educators
• Aging Well with Technology – classes designed for residents 55+

The National Digital Equity Center also has an Affordable Devices Program, funded through the Maine Office of Community Development, that provides free devices to Maine residents 18 years of age and older who are of low to moderate income. Devices include tablets with cellular connectivity for individuals without internet access and refurbished laptop and desktop computers. 

Please join us on October 10 to learn how to access these resources, and share your thoughts on what kind of classes you hope the library offers through this program!