| San Francisco Public Library teams up with 30+ organizations to help bridge the digital divide San Francisco, CA – More than 70 tech programs will be offered in May across the city for everyone to learn a new skill, explore groundbreaking technology and have fun. Four tech fairs and hands-on workshops for caregivers, seniors and job seekers are among the highlights of Connect with Tech Week,a citywide initiative spearheaded by the San Francisco Public Library to promote online access and tech skills and to reduce digital disparities in our communities. Connect with Tech Week, May 5-11, is organized by the San Francisco Public Library and more than 30 partner organizations. The public can attend a tech expo to learn about free resources, exciting new gadgets and the latest in Assistive Technology; participate in a photo walk in the Mission on Cinco de Mayo; and meet creators of tech apps that use interactive mapping to discover forgotten history of San Francisco. One-on-one computer help will also be available at certain branches all week. More than 100,000 San Francisco residents are not proficient at using the Internet and digital devices. As more basic services such as housing applications and job searching move online, many are left behind, especially seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families. Last year more than 2,000 people participated in this annual event, gaining knowledge and resources to help them navigate our increasingly digital world. Tech training programs will be offered all week throughout the Library system and partner locations. Programs range from basic computer skills to succeeding as a freelancer in a gig economy, and are taught by library staff, tech workers and industry professionals.The full schedule of events and classes is available at sfpl.org/ConnectWithTech.Connect with Tech Week programs are free and open to the public. High resolution images available upon request.Program Highlights Tech Expo – May 7, 1- 3 p.m., SF City Hall – North Light Court, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place Meet over 30 tech providers and organizations, learn about free resources, try out virtual reality and enter giveaways for a computer and more. Digital Parents – May 8, 1 p.m., Twitter Neighbor Nest, 95 Hayes Street Keep your children safe online and learn tools for helping with schoolwork. Free childcare is provided. Also offered in Spanish, 10 a.m. Register at (415) 557-4388. Chinese News at Your Fingertips (in Cantonese) –May 8, 2 p.m., Chinatown Branch Learn how to connect via apps and websites to local Chinese media outlets, including KTSF, Sky Link TV, World Journal, and Sing Tao Daily. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices. Succeeding as a Freelancer (Pts. 1 and 2) – May 8-9, 5:30 p.m., Main Library, 5th Floor Computer Training CenterSamaschool equips jobseekers with the knowledge and skills needed to find work online in the gig economy. This course is designed for people want to earn extra cash on their own schedule, who are unemployed and want to get back to work fast, or want to build work experience in their professional field. Attendance at both Part 1 (Wed., May 8) and Part 2 (Thurs., May 9) is expected. Digital Device Drop-In – May 9, 4 p.m., Main Library, 5th Floor Computer Training CenterPatient tech-savvy helpers provide basic support in getting to know your digital device. Bring your device fully charged and know your sign-in information and passwords. Start Up and Start Change – May 9, 6 p.m., WeWork Golden Gate TheaterStart-ups can change the world! This panel will discuss how to grow a business that addresses problems in your community. Hear from experts and success stories. Presented by City Innovate. Assistive Technology – May 10, 3:30 p.m., Main Library, 5th Floor Learning StudioLearn about Assistive Technology that can help you use computers and perform everyday tasks and how to sign up for a free device lending library, which includes tablets and laptops with assistive technology software. Presented by the Independent Living Resource Center. Tenderloin Tech Fair – May 11, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tenderloin Tech Lab, 150 Golden Gate AvenueGet free repair assistance with your computer, learn all about using your smartphone, and even learn to build websites with one-on-one help at the Tenderloin Technology Fair. Bayview Branch Tech Fair – May 11, 11:00 a.m., Bayview BranchJoin for a technology-filled day of computer and mobile device support, community resource tabling, low-cost Internet, and receive a free refurbished desktop computer (while supplies last)! Open to all community members and no pre-registration required. Hosted by the San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Office of Digital Equity, dev/Mission and Tech Exchange. |