Trenton Library’s Digital Navigator program bridges tech gap – The News Herald

For many residents, technology has become a daily necessity. From scheduling medical appointments and applying for jobs to staying connected with family and accessing essential services, people use technology. But for those who feel overwhelmed or intimidated by smartphones, laptops, and tablets, the digital world can feel isolating rather than empowering.

That’s where the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library Digital Navigator program comes in.

Designed to provide free, personalized technology support, the Digital Navigator program helps residents of Trenton, Brownstown, Grosse Ile, and Woodhaven build confidence using digital devices in a welcoming, one-on-one environment. The program focuses on practical, real-world skills.

“This program really grew out of recognizing that technology moves fast, and not everyone feels comfortable keeping up,” said Erin Chapman, adult services librarian at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library. “When people don’t feel confident, they often stop using technology altogether, and that can lead to isolation.”

From group classes to one-on-one support

The Digital Navigator initiative began several years ago through grant funding from the Public Library Association, supported by AT&T. Early on, the focus was on group classes offered at recreation centers and senior centers throughout the community. While those classes were helpful, Chapman said the library soon realized that individualized support was often more effective.

“Everyone comes in with different questions,” she said. “In a class setting, you might learn something interesting, but it may not address the specific issue you’re dealing with at home.”

As the program evolved, funding shifted toward personalized, one-on-one assistance to bridge the digital divide. Participants now begin with a brief assessment to identify their needs—whether that’s learning to use a smartphone, navigating a laptop, managing email, or understanding tablet features. Chapman then matches them with a trained Digital Navigator for individual sessions held at the library.

To staff the program, the library reached out to tech-savvy community members with backgrounds in IT support, education, accessibility services, and volunteer tech assistance. Some had experience helping seniors through churches or schools; others had professional technology careers.

“They responded to our call because they genuinely want to help,” Chapman said.

Who the program serves

While the Digital Navigator program is open to adults of all ages, Chapman said the majority of participants are seniors. Others include residents reentering the workforce who need to refresh their digital skills.

“One thing we see a lot is fear,” she said. “People worry about scams, security issues, or ‘breaking’ something. That fear can make them avoid technology entirely.”

Digital Navigators address those concerns directly, often starting with simple adjustments that can make a big difference. One navigator, who previously worked in accessibility, helped participants learn how to increase font sizes, use voice commands, and activate accessibility features on smartphones and tablets.

“That was a game-changer for a lot of people,” Chapman said. “Sometimes it’s not about learning something new, it’s about making the device work better for you.”

The impact is reflected in participant feedback.

“Because of the encouragement of my Digital Navigator, I have gained confidence when working on my laptop from home,” shared one participant. “What I appreciate is her genuineness and enthusiasm in working with seniors.”

A program in demand

In 2025 alone, the library worked with approximately 50 learners across about 145 one-on-one sessions, far exceeding the original grant expectations of serving 20 to 30 participants. Each learner can receive up to five free sessions, and demand often leads to a waitlist.

“One of the most common things we hear is that people want more sessions,” Chapman said. “That tells us how valuable this support is.”

In addition to individual appointments, the library also offers a monthly technology class on the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Topics rotate and have included managing smartphone photos, setting up new devices, Canva basics, and exploring library technology resources. Class topics are listed on the library’s online events calendar.

Sustained by community support

While earlier grant funding was not renewed for 2026, the program continues thanks to support from the Friends of the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library.

“We are incredibly grateful,” Chapman said. “Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to keep this program going.”

The library does have to limit participation to residents of Trenton, Brownstown, Grosse Ile, and Woodhaven—a constraint Chapman wishes didn’t exist.

“We would love to help residents from surrounding communities as well,” she said. “The need is vast.”

For more information about the Digital Navigator program, upcoming classes, or volunteering, visit the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library’s website at trenton.lib.mi.us/.