Transforming Lives Through Digital Skills: A Story of Libraries, Laptops, and Lifelong Learning

On an afternoon in rural Alabama, a group of seniors gather at their local library, excited for what has become their favorite weekly activity. Some have never touched a computer before, while others had a few stories of frustration with outdated devices. But what united them was a desire to learn—and the patient guidance of Megan Waiters, the lead Digital Navigator for the Community Service Programs of West Alabama. CSP of West Alabama, a non-profit organization that has been empowering low-income and vulnerable populations since 1967, was selected to participate in NDIA’s National Digital Navigator Corp program. With support from a Google.org grant, the organization hired a Digital Navigator to provide digital skills training across its ten-county service area. Megan’s experience as a library program director gave her unique insight into the role libraries play in rural communities.