This is her third smartphone, but Peggy Silletto still needs help figuring out how to use it.
“It’s smarter than me, for sure,” Silletto said, chuckling. Her biggest frustration right now? Posting photos to Facebook and emailing them to friends and family.
It was that frustration that led the Port St. Lucie resident to the Kilmer Branch Library in Fort Pierce on Aug. 6.
Twice a week throughout the month of August, the Kilmer and Morningside branches are hosting free tech classes designed to help residents learn the ins and outs of their smartphones, tablets and other such devices.
“Peggy’s pretty typical” of the client who attends the classes, said Richard South, the lead digital program specialist for the library system.
He and other techs lead classes and workshops that range from the basics to the more advanced. They also make themselves available for 30-minute one-on-one training sessions for those who want to delve deeper into their tech issues.
“We’re always more than happy to sit down and help,” South said. The Book-a-Tech appointments average about 19 a month per branch.
They can’t perform computer repairs, but they can help set up emails and troubleshoot other challenges.
Silletto, a longtime volunteer in the genealogy department, only recently took note that the library system offered digital tech classes. She has attended a few already and has begun to share her experiences with others, including the Port St. Lucie Women’s Club.
“I was so impressed,” Silletto said of one class she took at the Morningside branch. The tech there helped her set up audiobooks on her tablet, which has helped following cataracts surgery.
“I really wish the public would take advantage of (the free classes the library offers),” Silletto said. “You would be amazed what you’d learn if you just went.”
South said most classes allow for walk-in participation without previous registration. However, there are some that are offered that require registration because a limited number of devices are available for teaching.
The remaining classes in August require no advanced registration. The classes will touch on topics including the system’s new Cloud Library for eBooks and audiobooks, Apple basics, and Internet safety for the family, which will be a family-friendly event.
For more details, visit either the Kilmer or Morningside branches or visit: www.stlucieco.gov/library.
The Susan B. Kilmer Branch Library is located at 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce, and the Morningside Branch Library is located at 2410 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie.
Calendar of Classes
• Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2:30 p.m.: Cloud Library at the Morningside Branch Library. Introducing Cloud Library, the new eBook and Audio Book service from the St. Lucie County Library System. Join us for a look at the features of this exciting new service. This program is suitable for all adults with smartphones and tablets. Please note that Kindle devices are not supported with this application.
• Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 3:30 p.m.: Apple Basics at the Kilmer Branch Library. You will learn about the different features and functions of your Apple device. Once you complete this series, you’re sure to know all the ins and outs.
• Saturday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m.: Family Tech Day: Be Internet Awesome at the Morningside Branch Library. (See accompanying story, Page 4.) With the new school year starting up, new adventures are in cyberspace everywhere. This family friendly event will cover some internet safety basics using games and activities suitable for all ages.
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 3:30 p.m.: Cloud Library at the Kilmer Branch Library. Introducing Cloud Library, the new eBook and Audio Book service from the St. Lucie County Library System. Join us as we look at the features of this exciting new service. This program is suitable for all adults with smartphones and tablets. Please note that Kindle devices are not supported with this application.
• Saturday, Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m.: Apple Basics at the Morningside Branch Library. In this class we will be exploring the different features and functions of your Apple device. Once you complete this series, you’re sure to know all the ins and outs.
