SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Three libraries in Sullivan County are participating in Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley, a program that seeks to provide free technology assistance to residents of the region. Staff of the Western Sullivan Public Library, Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library and Livingston Manor Library received training to become navigators earlier this year.  

Digital navigators are trained guides who assist community members in need with using a device, securing free or low-cost internet service, filling out online job applications, applying for services and benefits, accessing educational services, signing up for free phone program, and dealing with daily life tasks such as paying bills online.

“We are excited to be providing these much-needed services to our community and expanding on the tech assistance that we already provide,” said Audra Everett of Western Sullivan Public Library. “Often, we have members of the community coming in seeking exactly the kind of help that Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley provides. Many people have limited internet access and need help doing things we can take for granted, such as communicating with their child’s school, filling out online applications or setting up a patient portal.”  

Dale Blagrove provides library multimedia technology services at the Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL). Technology support hours are available each week at the three branches of the WSPL. Visit the calendar at www.WSPLonline.org to schedule an appointment.

At the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello, Leo Torres is available for tech support weekly.  You can either call him at 845/794-4660 ext. 9 or visit ebcpl.org/tech-support-1 for details about scheduling an appointment for any of your tech needs.

Nigel Cronk is the communications specialist at the Livingston Manor library. The library has tech assistance hours on Mondays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. You can sign up at www.livingstonmanorlibrary.org/programsignup. If you are unavailable during regular hours, you can schedule an appointment with Cronk by calling 845/439-5440. 

“Bridging the digital divide is crucial for ensuring every individual has the opportunity to access and effectively utilize technology, a vital gateway to education, health care and economic opportunities,” said Meaghan Doyle, community and digital equity consultant at Ramapo Catskill Library System, which provides services to these and other member libraries.

To learn more about the Digital Navigators program, visit www.hvconnected.org/ or stop by and meet Blagrove, Torres or Cronk at their respective libraries.  The program is administered by the Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, Mid-Hudson Library System, Ramapo Catskill Library System, and Westchester Library System.