Six months ago, 70-year-old Larry Scott had never used a computer. “To be honest, I was scared,” he now admits.  

Then, a new job at Habitat for Humanity challenged Scott to push past his fears. His supportive supervisor, Lakeshia Washington, reached out to Adult Services Librarian Abby Davis at JMRL’s Central Library to see if she could help Scott learn some basic computer skills.

The two began meeting weekly at the library for tutoring sessions that steadily improved Scott’s comfort and confidence with computers. They began with foundational skills such as accessing public WiFi and opening a web browser. Then they progressed to word processing, email, and even graphic design with Canva. 

“I could never have dreamed that I would learn all those things about the computer,” Scott says. Watching Scott use his laptop these days, there is no sign of fear. He’s all smiles and laughs. Washington notes, “I have watched him grow in his confidence to use and navigate the computer.”

Now, Scott visits the Central Library for occasional refresher sessions with Davis. As for Davis, she hopes to help more people this summer and beyond. “This kind of work gives me energy. This is the reason I wanted to become a librarian, and I enjoy it every day.” 

Central reference librarians offer 45-minute tutorial sessions by appointment, but they have also introduced a drop-in Tech Tuesday program for the summer. No need for an appointment, you can simply show up with your questions, or just a curiosity to learn more. If you need more time after the drop-in program, which runs from 3-4 pm each Tuesday in July and August, reference librarians can schedule a formal tutorial with you for follow-up.