At The Library: In Need Of Navigation
On-Site Technology Help Available On Fridays
By Leslie Williams
Pauline Robinson Branch Librarian
Earlier this year, Denver Public Library launched its very first digital navigator program.
“A digital navigator provides ongoing one-on-one help in DPL branches and at our Mobile Services stops to customers, with the goal of building basic technology skills and connecting them to free and low-cost internet and devices,” said Nate Stone, the program administrator.
The program has a team of four navigators, each assigned locations to visit each week to help customers who drop in or who have scheduled an appointment. Pre-pandemic, the Pauline Robinson branch had robust computer class offerings. We continue to see customers on a daily basis in need of technical assistance. It is a natural fit for us to have a digital navigator onsite on Fridays. What makes this program unique from our drop-in tech class is customers can receive ongoing help to build confidence in using technology. The program is also offered in three different languages: English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Other DPL branches with digital navigators include Montbello, Valdez-Perry, Ford-Warren, Schlessman Family, Hampden, Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales, Ross-Barnum, Athmar Park, Hadley and Bear Valley.
Since launching on April 1, the digital navigators have assisted 329 customers and helped 144 people register for the Affordable Connectivity Program to receive free or discounted internet service. To learn more about this program or to schedule an appointment with a digital navigator, call 720-865-3446 or email dignav@denverlibrary.org.
In-Person Programs at The Park Hill Branch Library
Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
All Ages Storytimes | Saturdays 10 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers in an outdoor setting. Bring a blanket to sit on.
TAB | Tuesdays, August 9 & 23 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Loco-Motion | Wednesday, Aug. 3 | 11-11:45 a.m.
Peter Davison brings decades of professional performing and teaching experience to LocoMotion: The Science & Circus Arts Show. LocoMotion entertains audiences with objects that spin, balance, fly and float and with dance and physical theater. The Show mixes performing arts with insights into the physical science behind the artistry. Ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult.
Senior Planet Present #Age Friendly | Thursday, Aug., 4 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a more age-friendly world, where older adults can access, enjoy, and contribute to their communities and beyond. In this lecture, you’ll learn about the WHO’s eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age-friendly. You’ll also discuss how to use social media to advocate for age-friendly spaces and policies at local businesses. Registration encouraged, but not required.
Arts & Crafts Shop | Thursday, Aug. 11 |10:30-11:30 a.m.
What can you create with $5? Each participant will be given a “wallet” containing $5 in play money. Participants browse our arts and crafts shop for supplies and make their purchases while letting their creativity guide them in making their unique project. Ideal for grades K-5, siblings welcome!
Being a Better Neighbor: A Community Conversation About Implicit Bias | Saturday, Aug. 13 | 2-3 p.m.
Hate crimes, especially anti-Asian hate crimes, have been dramatically rising these last few years. Join us for a community conversation to learn about implicit bias and learn about steps to take to be a better neighbor.
Protecting Your Personal Information Online | Thursday, Aug. 18 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
This presentation by Senior Planet Presents will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. We’ll cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like creating strong passwords, managing spam, how to recognize email and text scams, and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online. Registration encouraged, but not required.
Slowing Down, Walking Up, & Connecting | Friday, Aug. 19 |5-6:30 p.m.
Join Jonathon Stalls, North Park Hill resident and author of WALK – Slow Down, Wake Up & Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour, for a book talk and walk/roll. We will meet at the Park Hill Branch Library at 5 p.m. and walk or roll to City Park. We will finish near the water fountain on the west side of the Museum of Nature & Science. There, Jonathon will read from his book, answer questions, and sell and sign newly released copies. If you want to skip the walk, meet us at the west side of the museum just before 6 p.m. If you are able, please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Registration Required.
No Strings Attached Book Chat| Saturday, Aug. 20 |11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
Kids Book Club| Wednesday, Aug. 24 | 4-5 p.m.
For ages 7-10, read the book at home then join us to discuss and participate in fun activities related to the book at our monthly book club. This month we will discuss The World According to Humphrey by Betty B. Birney. Our activities will include making pet rocks for the kids to take home. Registration encouraged but not required.
In-Person Programs at Pauline Robinson Branch
Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:30-11 a.m.
Stories, songs, and fingerplays for children ages 3 to 5 years old and their caregivers.
Drop In Tech Help | Wednesdays Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Need help navigating the internet, email, or social networks like Facebook? Have questions about your phone or tablet? Want to know how to access eBooks on any device? Drop by and get your questions answered and learn how to use tech more effectively.
Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday Aug. 27, noon-1:30 p.m.
We meet on the fourth Saturday of the month to discuss They Can’t Take Your Name by Robert Justice.
After School is Cool | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays starting Aug. 23
Join us at After School is Cool on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for crafts, games, STEM and more. The fun starts at 4:15 p.m. Program is for ages 7-12.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave., and the Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and details on additional in-person and online programming for both neighborhood libraries, check out denverlibrary.org.