SULLIVAN COUNTY — Three libraries in Sullivan County are participating in the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley, a program that seeks to provide free technology assistance to residents of the region. Staff of Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library, Livingston Manor Library and Western Sullivan Public Library received training to become navigators earlier this year.  

Digital Navigators are trained guides who assist community members in need with using a device, securing free or low-cost internet service, filling out online job applications, applying for services and benefits, accessing educational services, signing up for free phone program, and dealing with daily life tasks such as paying bills online.

“We are excited to be providing these much-needed services to our community and expanding on the tech assistance that we already provide,” said Audra Everett of Western Sullivan Public Library. “Often, we have members of the community coming in seeking exactly the kind of help that Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley is able to provide. Many people have limited internet access and need help doing things we can take for granted, such as communicating with their child’s school, filling out online applications or setting up a patient portal.”  

Nigel Cronk is the Communications Specialist at the Livingston Manor Library. The library has devoted Tech Assistance hours on Mondays from 3:00-5:00pm and Thursdays from 10:00am-12:00pm. You can sign up at livingstonmanorlibrary.org/programsignup. If you are unavailable during regular hours, you can schedule an appointment with Nigel by calling (845) 439-5440. 

At the Ethelbert B. Crawford Library in Monticello, Leo Torres is available for tech support weekly.  You can either contact him directly at (845) 794-4660 ext. 9 or visit their site at https://ebcpl.org/tech-support-1 for further details regarding scheduling an appointment for any of your tech needs.

Dale Blagrove provides Library Multimedia Technology Services at the Western Sullivan Public Library. Technology Support Hours are available each week at our three branches.  Visit the library’s calendar at www.WSPLonline.org to schedule an appointment.

“Bridging the digital divide is crucial for ensuring every individual has the opportunity to access and effectively utilize technology, a vital gateway to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) is proud to coordinate this essential program with our partners, supporting member libraries in empowering our communities, and unlocking the full potential of digital connectivity.” — Meaghan Doyle, Community and Digital Equity Consultant at RCLS

To learn more about the Digital Navigators program, visit https://hvconnected.org/ or stop by and meet Nigel, Leo, and Dale at their library.  The program is administered by the Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, Mid-Hudson Library System, Ramapo-Catskill Library System, and Westchester Library System.