Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley: In the News

New Rochelle Public Library Joins Digital Navigators Program to Boost Digital Access

From the article:

Written By: Robert Cox
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (December 24, 2024) — Navigating the digital world has become essential for everyday tasks like applying for housing, paying bills, and accessing medical information. To bridge the digital divide, the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) is now a hub for the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley program.
This initiative, which brings free technology assistance directly to residents, trains library staff to serve as digital navigators. These navigators help individuals connect to low-cost internet services, learn how to use digital devices, and manage a range of online tasks that many take for granted.

“We are thrilled to offer these vital services to our community,” said Eugenia Schatoff, Director of the New Rochelle Public Library. “We frequently see community members who need exactly this type of assistance. Whether it’s communicating with schools or managing healthcare online, our digital navigators are here to help.”

Services provided by the digital navigators include:

– Assisting in the acquisition of low-cost phones or computers.
– Helping with online housing applications.

– Supporting telehealth visits and managing patient portals.

– Guiding individuals to food resources.

– Facilitating job applications and resume creation.

– Enabling video calls for social connection.

– Providing access to public information like local government meetings.
– Assisting with applications for benefits like SNAP and Medicaid.

– Supporting remote learning and school communications.

– Aiding with daily tasks such as online shopping and bill payments.

Residents can access these services at no cost by visiting bit.ly/NRPLDigitalNav or calling 914-813-3733. A complete list of digital navigator locations across the Hudson Valley is available at hvconnected.org.

The New Rochelle Public Library, chartered in 1894, serves the city’s 81,500 residents with a comprehensive collection and various community programs. It operates from its main location in downtown New Rochelle and includes the Huguenot Children’s Library in the park near New Rochelle High School. More information about NRPL can be found at nrpl.org, and the library is active on social media at @NRPublicLibrary on both Instagram and Facebook.
This program is a collaborative effort by the Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, Mid-Hudson Library System, Ramapo-Catskill Library System, and Westchester Library System, aiming to enhance digital inclusion across the region.

Kingston Public Library in the Daily Freeman

Howland's program was also listed in the Highlands Current newspaper. 

If you would like to make a copy of this image, Janice created it in Canva and is willing to share. Contact her at programs@carmellibrary.org.

This is what the above flyer looks like as the desktop image for the catalog kiosk!

The sign outside Esopus Library:

The stand-up banner at Mount Saint Mary College