Computer Training

The Library’s Crossroads to Connectivity supports an individuals ability to access the Internet and find, evaluate, and communicate information through various online platforms.  Hartford Public Library offers free access to computers and the Internet at all it Branches. 

Take a Tutorial. Staff guide customers on how to use online self-guided tutorials. For example, Digital Learn, linked below offers a series of online video-based tutorials to help inexperience learners with computers and the internet. A broad range of topics from how to use a mouse to how to create a budget using Excel. Online tutorials provide learners opportunities to individualize their own learning according to their own pace and schedule. 

Test Your Digital Literacy. To highlight your computer skills on your resume you can take the various digital literacy assessments offered online through Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment (NDLA). If you take these assessments not proctored it will not lead to a NDLA Certificate. To earn your NDLA Certificate proctored sessions are scheduled at the Downtown Library, Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning promptly at 12 noon. 

Borrow Portable Computers

• Adult Education Computer Loaner Program.  Through various funding sources the Library has acquired Chromebooks and hotspots for long-term loan to adults 18 and older enrolled in one of the following educational and occupational certificate training programs offered through the Library’s The American Place Division: GED Prep, ServeSafe, CompTIA A+, English as a Second Language, and Citizenship. The request is made by the student to the Program Coordinator in which the student is enrolled. 
• Seniors 70+ GrandPad Tablet Loaner Program  Beginning soon Hartford Public Library is expanding Crossroads to Connectivity to support underserved older adults access technology and stay connected to loved one through GrandPad Tablet long-term loans. Grandpads come preloaded with data and wireless internet. The devices are specifically designed for use by older adults. Only 50 devices are funded; eligibility requirements will apply.