Learn More Digital Skills at the Library

Build your Digital Skills at the Library

In the ever-changing world of computers and technology, digital skills are a vital necessity. The San José Public Library offers lessons to build your digital skills through our Digital Skill Building Pathways program. These lessons are easy to find on our webpage by clicking on the Learning tab in the navigation banner and then clicking on Digital Skill Building Pathways under the Personal Growth column.

Each lesson covers a different topic with definitions, examples, images & videos and more. Additionally, each lesson has optional knowledge check questions and/or a set of practice activities to give you the chance to apply what you have learned.

Online Lesson Spotlight

This spring, we want to spotlight five lessons in particular:

• Calendar and Alarm Apps: Want to learn how to use the calendar app on your phone to make a calendar for yourself or your family? Or how to set timers and alarms for activities? This lesson will help both iOS (Apple) and Android OS phone users.        
  • This lesson is also available in Spanish.
• Google Maps: Planning a trip this summer? Learn how to use Google Maps on a computer or smartphone.       
  • This lesson is also available in Spanish.
• Internet Safety and Security: Want to learn how to recognize scams and be safe on the internet? Find out warning signs of scams, tips for creating strong passwords, and more.     
  • This lesson is also available in Spanish. 
• Smartphones & Tablets: Have you or a family member recently gotten a smartphone or tablet?  Even if you are an experienced user, you may learn a new trick or two! All parts of the lesson give examples using both Android OS and iOS (Apple) devices.   
  • This lesson is also available in Spanish. 

• Using Email: New to email? Learn how to set up an email account and how to send and respond to emails, as well as some email safety tips.       
  • This lesson is also available in Spanish.

Attend a Workshop at a Local Branch 

Many SJPL branches host digital skill building classes as in-person or virtual programs. These workshops are led by library staff and trained volunteers who are knowledgeable on the given topics. Most classes are 1 to 2 hours long.  

Upcoming workshops for May and June 2024 include: 

• Using Email for Seniors (Hybrid) at Edenvale Branch and online on Friday May 24th from 3:30 - 5:30 PM 
• Internet Safety & Security for Seniors (Hybrid) at Edenvale Branch and online on Friday June 14th from 3:30 - 5:30 PM 
• Google Maps at East Carnegie Branch on Sunday June 16th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM 
• Computer Basics at Tully Branch every Saturday in May and June, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 
• Intermediate Computer Skills at Tully Branch every Saturday in June, 1:30 – 3:00 PM 
• Bilingual English/Mandarin Chinese Tech Help at Calabazas Branch, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM - every first Tuesday is an organized lesson and every third Tuesday is an open help session 

Check out our Events page for the most up-to-date list of programs! More programs on digital skills and other topics are added regularly. 

Register for Workshop