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  • Karin Dalzielnirak@hcommons.social
    Oct 23, 2026, 4:49 PM

    If a group doesn't exist, the next step is to think about what you are able to do, and then go talk to someone at the library. I would advise starting pretty small - 2-3 weekly or monthly drop in meetings. Committing yourself to a grand plan right away is a recipe for burnout, in my experience. Can you grab anyone to help you? Or even just sit with you during drop in times? What days might work for you? Think through this stuff before you head to ask the library how they might help. Check the library's web page too to check up on how renting space works. That said, just sitting at a table in the library can work too. (2/4)

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  • Karin Dalzielnirak@hcommons.social
    Oct 23, 2026, 4:49 PM

    Next up, ask the library. You might put everything in an email and ask if you can drop by sometime to talk to someone, or call, or drop by in person. If you call or go in person, have a quick intro sentence and then ask "is there a good person to talk to about this?" Often the person who is sitting at the desk might not be the person in charge of programming/scheduling. Something like "I would be interested in finding space in the library to help folks with technology, is there a good person to talk to about this?"

    Like all publicly funded things, libraries are stretched incredibly thin right now, so don't be surprised if you need to make an appointment or are directed to a form to fill out. They're doing the best they can! It may also be that you get a curt "we don't do that here" (I don't expect this, but you never know when you'll catch someone on a bad day). You can explain that you are not asking for staffing, just space. (3/4)

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  • Karin Dalzielnirak@hcommons.social
    Oct 23, 2026, 4:49 PM

    Also remember: it is your library too. Nothing is stopping you from just sitting at a table with a little sign offering help!

    For events in general, don't be discouraged if you don't get a ton of uptake at first. Some of my best workshops were to only 2 people - but those 2 people got a lot out of it! You could ask around to see if anyone you know needs help, and ask them to drop by during that time.

    Finally, public libraries aren't the only option here. You can look at community centers, cultural centers, setting up a booth at a local maker or other community fair. It's so wonderful that people want to help like this! ❤️ (4/4)

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  • Lisa 🦔 [Bats in my Belfry]mycrowgirl@flipping.rocks
    Oct 23, 2026, 5:24 PM

    @nirak seconding the “other places” tip.

    I used to work in libraries and the tech help stuff was one of my responsibilities. I quickly realised that there was a huge elder demographic that needed the same help but unable to physically get to the library.

    I was never able to get the library to agree to me doing an outreach type thing there, but at the time I lived close to a low income senior living center and would volunteer on my own every other week for a few hours to do tech help.

    👉This can be extremely useful in the weeks after the December holidays when well-meaning younger family members gift them gadgets.

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  • Lisa 🦔 [Bats in my Belfry]mycrowgirl@flipping.rocks
    Oct 23, 2026, 5:38 PM

    @nirak this was not the case for me since I was actively employed by the county who also operated the senior centres, but:

    Worth noting that if you want to do this in most senior living/day centres, etc you would need to be willing to go through at least a level 1 background check, possibly a level 2 check if it’s a scenario where they would not have a staff member in the room with you.

    It might seem like a lot, but they’re protecting some of our most vulnerable community members and have a duty of care when vetting volunteers. 💕

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  • Megan Lynch (she/her)ml@ecoevo.social
    Oct 23, 2026, 5:50 PM

    @nirak Good list of tips!

    May I add that when you're planning something, it helps to do your accessibility planning at that beginning stage rather than trying to make things accessible after the fact.

    Especially when its at a public place like a public library, it should be accessible to all the public. And the communication about it should be accessible too. Hopefully, that is something the library knows and can help with, but if not, reach out to the local Center for Independent Living, etc.

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