In This Together: Digital & Health Literacy with York County Public Library

2022 NACo Achievement Award Winner

York County, Va., VA

Image of AchievementAwards_extension_bkg_0.jpg

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted several deficits within the York County, VA community, specifically the lack of digital literacy among seniors ages 65+. As our communities shut down during the pandemic and began relying on virtual connections, many of our seniors were shut out from everyday resources due to the digital divide. Simple tasks, such as purchasing groceries and scheduling appointments to receive healthcare, suddenly became overwhelming obstacles in the form of online grocery ordering and virtual doctor’s appointments. It became obvious that digital literacy was no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity. The York County Public Library (YCPL) tackled these issues in two ways. First, through in-house technology workshops for seniors with greater mobility. The second, through digital literacy outreach targeting homebound seniors by providing mobile workshops at senior living facilities and community centers. Basic and intermediate classes are provided, covering a range of topics to include device basics, Zoom 101, texting, and accessing reliable health resources online, such as scheduling Telehealth and vaccination appointments. Following completion of our workshops, seniors will have improved digital literacy, increased comfort using their personal devices, and the knowledge to identify and utilize reliable online resources, ultimately leading to a healthier life.

Tagged In: