October Digital Literacy Newsletter

It’s officially pumpkin-and-cold-weather season! The leaves are starting to change, the temperatures are dropping, and it’s the perfect time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and maybe a little more time indoors.

As we settle into fall, we have a lot happening in Digital Literacy! October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a great time to remind the communities we serve about staying safe online, protecting personal information, and recognizing common online scams and threats.

We’re also excited to be celebrating Digital Inclusion Week (10/4-10/10) this October. This year, Literacy Rochester is collaborating with Greenlight Networks and Penfield Public Library to offer a special “Cut the Cord” workshop during Digital Inclusion Week. We’re looking forward to working together to help community members learn more about their options for staying connected while making informed decisions about their technology and internet services.

Our program continues to grow, and I’m so grateful for the time, patience, and knowledge each of you brings to the customers you help every day. Whether you’re helping someone send an email, navigate a website, learn a new device, or feel a little more confident using technology, you are making a difference!

Inservice:

Our next volunteer in-service training will focus on Device Operating Systems: Android & iOS Basics! 

The goal of this training is to help Digital Literacy volunteers feel more comfortable navigating Android and iOS devices so you can confidently support customers during your volunteer shifts.

You do not need to be an expert or know every setting on every device. Instead, we’ll focus on the basic layout, navigation, terminology, and common features of both Android and Apple devices. We’ll also spend some time comparing the two operating systems and discussing some of the common questions and challenges you may encounter while helping customers.

As we work to make sure our in-service trainings are offered at times that work well for as many volunteers as possible, I am considering holding this training in person at Literacy Rochester on Saturday, December 5th.

Before I finalize the date and format, I’d really appreciate your input! Please take a moment to complete our in-service survey and let me know what works best for you. Your feedback will help me choose a time and format that works for the greatest number of volunteers.

I hope you’ll be able to join us! This will be a great opportunity to learn, practice, ask questions, and share your own tips and experiences with Android and Apple devices.

Site Closures for October:

Monday October 12th:

  • All Rochester public Libraries
  • East Rochester Library
  • Irondequoit Library
  • Webster Library
  • Livonia Public Library
  • Sodus Library 
  • Avon Library

Friday October 23rd:

  • All Rochester Public Libraries

Literacy Rochester:

The LR office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Please feel free to call the office if you need any assistance 585-473-3030. You can also contact me directly at Lroe@literacyrochester.org or on the New DL Cell # 585-944-5218

Thank you for your commitment to empowering others through digital literacy. Together, we’re bridging the digital divide!