Former teacher and librarian Christine Ault, left, helps Ellen Cosner add an app to her cellphone during one of Peter White Public Library’s Tech Coaching for Seniors sessions. Every Tuesday, Ault helps area seniors to build new skills with technology that may not be familiar to them. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — Peter White Public Library is keeping Marquette-area senior citizens up-to-date with the latest technology during their weekly tech coaching sessions.

The sessions, hosted by former teacher and librarian Christine Ault, are an informative way for area senior citizens to gain self-reliance through education. Those who are interested in the sessions can sign up for a 30 minute period with Ault who can help familiarize themselves with newer technology that they may not have used before.

“You can come in, we can find your problem and research it together,” said Adult Services Assistant Department Head Lynette Suckow. “She tries the solutions with the person and then will have them do it again on their own. That’s how they learn to do it. Not just doing it for them but doing it so they can repeat that action.”

At the moment, the sessions are currently ran from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Those who are interested are encouraged to call ahead to schedule, as there is currently a waitlist. Starting in September, the library will be hosting the sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“The sessions are free of charge but the only stipulation is that they call ahead to sign up,” Suckow said.

Suckow said that seniors can receive help with many different devices, including phones, laptops and tablets.

“She is really good about teaching them to add apps to their ipad, phone our computer,” Suckow said. “She helps a lot with apps and with settings. Settings are a really important part so they can know what they want to change and adjust those settings themselves.”

Suckow also said that there is a big focus on privacy settings.

While it may seem intimidating to some, learning the new skills can be very helpful in keeping seniors up to speed with many of the new technologies and apps which more and more establishments require, including the city of Marquette’s new parking app. Suckow says that those who have been involved in the sessions have given exclusively positive feedback.

“We have had so many positive interactions. We have not had one complaint about the program,” Suckow said. “Everyone appreciates Christine’s patience and all that they learn. It is so valuable, they are learning skills that they can carry on and build on.”

Those attending the sessions are asked to bring their passwords with them and to charge their devices before showing up to the sessions.

To schedule, call the Peter White Public Library at 906-226-4311.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net