GREENE — Starting Wednesday, Oct 27, the Morse Library is set to hold tech support drop-in clinics for community members.

“Since the pandemic started, our digital lives have exploded and these days, new technology doesn’t always come with a printed manual,” said librarian Kelli Burnham, in a news release from the library. “We help our patrons regularly with technology questions, connecting to WiFi or printing and we wanted to do a bit more.”

Library volunteer Justin LaFontaine of Greene has worked in IT professionally for 20 years for companies such as Grand Rounds Health and Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice. He recently received his graduate degree in Cyber Security from Thomas College.

He will be available between 6 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 27, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8 and can help with general technology troubleshooting or answer questions about web-based technology or basic digital self-protection, including topics like antivirus or scam awareness.

Those in need of assistance will be helped as much as possible on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We can’t solve every problem, but hopefully we can at least point you in the right direction,” said Burnham.

The library also received funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Maine State Library. The library has used the funds to purchase five Chromebooks, which are available for patrons to use at the library.

“We’ll see how the drop-in nights go, and if there is demand, we’d like to start offering some basic digital literacy classes and help anyone who is struggling with technology get more comfortable and confident,” said Burnham. “We’re here to be of service to the community and right now, digital needs are a priority for a lot of people.”

Suggestions from residents about their needs, with an eye to developing further programs, can be emailed to kburnham.jamm.library@gmail.com.

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