September 26, 2024, Mid-Hudson News
NEWBURGH – Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh) has secured $20,000 in funding for Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley, a program that trains local library staff to provide technology assistance for anyone who needs it.
“Our libraries help our neighbors so much beyond the traditional role of supplying books. Training library staff to become Digital Navigators ensures that local libraries are better equipped to help people use the internet and function in our interconnected world,” said Jacobson.
The program trains staff working in local libraries or other community organizations. Once trained, Digital Navigators can assist people with online tasks like applying for work, applying for services and benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid, paying bills, accessing medical information or telehealth visits, and more.
There are more than 110 Digital Navigators across the Hudson Valley, including the Newburgh Free Library and Nubian Directions II in Poughkeepsie. So far, they’ve helped nearly 1,000 people. The program is administered by Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, Mid-Hudson Library System, Ramapo-Catskill Library System, and Westchester Library System.
“We have been thrilled with the interest libraries and community organizations have shown in this program,” said Tessa Killian, executive director of Southeastern. “We have trained Navigators in all nine counties of the Hudson Valley who will now be able to have a significant impact on residents in need of a range of types of technology assistance.”
Digital Navigators are available for free to anyone who needs help. To find a Digital Navigator, visit hvconnected.org. To learn more about the Digital Navigator program or to apply for the fall training session, visit senylrc.org/services/digitalnavigators.