Grant to fund digital literacy program at Norfolk Library

By Andra Moss

The Northwest Connecticut Library Collaborative (NCLC) has secured major funding to launch a regional digital literacy initiative aimed at helping residents in seven area towns build essential technology skills.

The collaborative—made up of the Norfolk Library, Cornwall Library, Douglas Library in North Canaan, David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village, Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, Kent Memorial Library and Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury—announced that the Foundation for Community Health has awarded the group $36,666 for the first year of the program, with contingent approval for funding for two additional years.

The grant will support the hiring of two part-time digital navigators who will provide individualized technology assistance through-out the region. The NCLC is actively seeking applicants for the two navigator positions; training will take place this summer, with the program set to launch in the fall. Norfolk Library Director Ann Havemeyer encourages locals to apply, noting that “More than tech skills, we will be looking for people who can become trusted guides, who will be active and compassionate listeners with excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to creatively solve problems and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.” Applications are avail-able on the library website.

Library leaders say the initiative addresses a growing need in Northwest Connecticut, particularly in rural communities with older adults and residents who may struggle with commonly used digital tools.

According to Connecticut’s Digital Equity Plan, more than 70 percent of key populations, including seniors and economically disadvantaged residents, lack the digital skills necessary to function independently in an increasingly online world.

The new Digital Navigation Program seeks to close that gap by utilizing local libraries—trusted community hubs—to offer free, one-on-one assistance with technology such as using computers and smartphones, accessing online services, navigating telehealth platforms and improving internet safety skills.

Additional support for the program was provided by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, which gave $5,000 for training and equipment, and by a Northwest Connecti-cut Community Foundation grant for $3,850. This will fund subscriptions for all seven libraries to Northstar Digital, a digital literacy curriculum widely used to teach foundational technology skills.

The initiative grew out of conversations that began four years ago when the seven Northwest Corner libraries formed a partnership to participate in the Connecticut State Library’s pilot Digital Navigation Program for rural communities. However, expected federal funds to support this project were rescinded in spring 2025.

Despite the setback, organizers continued to develop the program and document community need, efforts that ultimately helped secure support from regional foundations. Says Havemeyer, “We are excited about the opportunity this grant gives us to help people navigate the digital world independently and to foster social connections across our rural communities.”Editor’s note: Andra Moss is chairman of the board of The Norfolk Library.