AMESBURY — For many people, computer skills such as sending email, creating word documents or downloading music may seem as natural as breathing. But for a surprising number of adults, especially those looking to switch careers or who are out of work, they are lacking many of those seemingly basic skills.
Staff members at the Amesbury Public Library have been noticing this dearth of computer skills as well in an increasing number of patrons who are visiting the Main Street library. That has led to the creation of an upcoming library program, the Second Saturday Tech Series, that offers four free computer learning workshops stretched out over several months starting on March 10.
Each second Saturday from March to June at 11 a.m., Boston Public Library web librarian Jennifer Koerber will be discussing different topics starting with Microsoft Word, formatting and learning how to play with new computer tools. Other workshops will touch upon ebooks and downloadable music, email basics and an introduction to Facebook.
Amesbury Public Library assistant director Erin Matlin said the courses were designed to touch upon many of the questions patrons ask when they visit the library.
"We've been wanting to do something like this for a while," Matlin said.
Matlin said in recent years more out-of-work patrons are coming in and signing up for computer time allowing them to revise their resumes, scan online job sites and even apply for jobs online. More people than ever, she added, are eschewing more traditional ways of looking for work, such as the Help Wanted section of a newspaper, in favor of online searches. An increasing number of companies are only accepting online applications as well making it more important than ever to know how to use a computer, according to Matlin.
Space is limited to 25 people for each course and those interested in attending all of them must sign up for the courses individually. Matlin said there are plenty of spaces available, but they are sure to fill up closer to March 10.
Partnering with the library on the tech series is Best Foot Forward, a local charity founded last March by Rosemary Werner that helps people find jobs. Affiliated with First United Methodist Church and located inside the church's Main Street parsonage, the nonprofit organization provides free clothes for that all-important job interview plus counseling, coaching and advice. Best Foot Forward is open Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m. or by appointment.
"We were thrilled that this (the tech series) was going to happen because so many of the clients that come to us could benefit from it. We were really thrilled for that's another tool for them," said Werner, who ran Our Neighbors' Table, the town's food pantry, for several years before retiring in 2010.
Werner said Best Foot Forward has been working closely with the library since it opened its doors last March and has referred some of the 70 people who have used the service to the library's bank of computers.
"It's a win-win situation," Werner said. "It's amazing the programs they're coming up with it. So many programs aren't about books; they've expanded their services to deal with technology and what their patrons have to know."
The Amesbury Public Library has six computers dedicated to the Internet. Patrons are allowed one hour per day on a computer plus free access to printers. Those interested in using a computer can register at the circulation desk or call ahead the same day.
For more information on computer use at the library, the Second Saturday Tech Series or to register for one or all the workshops, visit amesburylibrary.org or call 978-388-8148
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