Learning new technology skills is easy with your Mechanics' Institute library membership. Our librarians are available to answer technology questions Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays from 12-4 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6 pm in the library or by phone at 415-393-0102.
On the Library's website at www.milibrary.org, under the Events tab, you'll find two September workshops of interest. What's Streaming on Kanopy (plenty!) happens on Wednesday, September 1 from 7:00-8:00 pm. This free virtual class will show you how to explore and discover MI's Kanopy streaming service to find films, classes, documentaries, and more. We'll also show you how to set up Kanopy on your TV or mobile device.
If you use a free email service and want to learn more, don't miss Email Basics on September 15 from 1:00-1:45 pm. This is an in-person workshop on the third floor of the Library in Classroom A. You'll learn how to compose an email message, organize your inbox effectively, filter out unwanted messages and much more. Both classes are led by staff Librarian Myles Cooper.
If you're interested in learning online, there are several free or low cost teaching tools available to help.
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GetSetUp.io - This is one of the best online learning websites that partners with guides to provide training on tech tools for older adults. You'll find more than 350 online classes taught in real-time by retired teachers and tech industry experts. Most of the classes are free, however some charge a minimal fee.
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SeniorPlanet.org - Created and sponsored by national nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) and AARP, Senior Planet offers 60-and-older adults a wide variety of free online courses, programs, and activities taught in real time to help seniors learn new technology skills. Some of the more popular tech classes include topics such as getting started on Zoom, using smartphones and introduction to social media.
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OasisEverywhere.org - This nonprofit educational organization for older adults provides low cost/free online computer, internet and mobile technology courses for beginners.
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TechBoomers.com - This free educational website provides video and article tutorials that teach adults how to navigate popular and trusted websites, such as Angie's List, Amazon, PayPal,and many others as well as basic technology skills, such as internet safety and internet privacy.
Your MI membership allows access to public computers in the Library. If you want to bring your own device, the Library's wifi is free to members. Headsets are available for checkout on both the second and third floor service desks.
