"Geeks" Helping Others with Technology

A new free service at the called the “Geek League” makes teen tech coaches available to customers who may be frustrated with an electronic device, or who may just be a little shy about getting started with a computer function.

Teens in the Geek League are available to help create an email or Facebook account, or with other basic computer questions. They also can coach adults to be more comfortable with electronic gadgets such as cell phones and eReaders.

“So far volunteers have helped adults get more comfortable with their new eReaders, helped a customer start an Excel spreadsheet, and explained how to use different features of cell phones, like adding contacts, checking voicemail or texting,” said Teen Librarian Beth Cackowski. “Last week a customer was assisted with a free music download to her MP3 player from the Library’s new Freegal service.”

So far, the group has helped about 20 people and members are hoping more people will come in to take advantage of the free service.

“Most teenagers these days are on much better terms with technology than adults. Even if they don’t know how to use a particular device, they usually learn it relatively quickly,” said Cackowski. “Our tech coaches aren’t experts on everything, but they aren’t afraid to play with something until they figure it out.”

If adults need help with an electronic gadget, they simply need to bring the item along with any cords and manuals that it comes with. Geek League “drop-in” dates are: Tuesday, July 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.; Saturday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to noon; Monday, July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday Aug. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.

 For more information on this event call 732-390-6789  or go to The Library’s website at http://www.ebpl.org and click on “News & Events.”