Key Takeaways
- Elijah Mitchell‑Sanchez serves as a digital navigator at the Wallingford Public Library, providing one‑on‑one technology assistance to patrons.
- He helped longtime patron Jerry Lombardo digitize, watermark, and showcase a collection of 1980s Connecticut rock‑show photographs on Facebook.
- The library’s digital‑navigator program offers 45‑minute, hands‑on sessions aimed at building patrons’ independence, confidence, and skills.
- Over the past year, navigators conducted more than a thousand meetings, receiving numerous handwritten thank‑you notes from users.
- Library Director Sunnie Scarpa emphasizes that navigators teach skills rather than perform tasks for patrons, aligning the service with the library’s educational mission.
- Both Mitchell‑Sanchez and Lombardo encourage anyone feeling uneasy about technology to seek help, noting that every question is a valid starting point.
- The program, initially a state‑funded pilot, has become a permanent line item in the library’s budget, reflecting its valued community impact.
Introduction and Background
Wallingford Public Library has positioned itself at the forefront of community technology support through its digital‑navigator initiative. In a recent WFSB feature, Elijah Mitchell‑Sanchez, one of the library’s two navigators, is highlighted for his patient, instructional approach. Mitchell‑Sanchez works closely with patrons like Jerry Lombardo, a local enthusiast who amassed thousands of photographs from Connecticut rock concerts in the 1980s. Their collaboration illustrates how personalized tech assistance can transform personal projects into shareable digital assets while fostering intergenerational learning.
The Digital Navigator Role
As a digital navigator, Mitchell‑Sanchez’s primary responsibility is to guide patrons through specific technology challenges rather than completing tasks for them. He emphasizes empowerment, stating that the goal is to give users “independence…confidence…[that] you can’t put a price on.” This philosophy underpins every session: navigators demonstrate tools, answer questions, and then step back, allowing patrons to practice and internalize new skills. The role blends technical expertise with teaching ability, making the navigator both a troubleshooter and a mentor.
Jerry Lombardo’s Story
Jerry Lombardo’s experience exemplifies the program’s impact. Over many sessions, Mitchell‑Sanchez taught Lombardo how to scan aging photos, apply digital watermarks to protect his work, and create a Facebook page to showcase the collection to a broader audience. Lombardo praised Mitchell‑Sanchez as “a really good teacher” who insists that learners demonstrate mastery before ending a session. The resulting online gallery not only preserves Lombardo’s nostalgic archive but also connects him with fellow music fans, illustrating how digital literacy can revive personal passions and foster community engagement.
Program Structure and Services
The digital‑navigator program operates on a straightforward model: patrons book 45‑minute, one‑on‑one slots with either Mitchell‑Sanchez or his colleague, Connor. Sessions are hands‑on, focusing on the patron’s immediate goals—whether that involves setting up email, learning basic photo editing, navigating social media, or accessing online government services. By keeping appointments short and focused, the library accommodates busy schedules while ensuring concentrated, effective instruction. The service is free to all library cardholders, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to equitable access to technology education.
Impact and Patron Feedback
In the last fiscal year, the navigators facilitated over a thousand meetings, a testament to the program’s popularity and perceived value. Many patrons have responded with handwritten thank‑you cards, noting not only the acquisition of specific skills but also a boost in confidence when dealing with devices that once felt intimidating. This feedback underscores a broader outcome: the program reduces digital anxiety, enabling users to participate more fully in an increasingly online world—from telehealth appointments to online banking and social connection.
Library Leadership Vision
Library Director Sunnie Scarpa played a pivotal role in transitioning the navigator concept from a state‑funded pilot to a permanent budget line. Scarpa stresses that navigators are educators, not surrogate workers: “They’re gonna teach them the skills to reach their goals.” This vision aligns with the library’s broader mission to promote lifelong learning and civic engagement. By institutionalizing the navigator role, Wallingford ensures sustained support for patrons navigating rapid technological change, positioning the library as a community hub for digital empowerment.
Encouragement for Tech‑Shy Patrons
Both Mitchell‑Sanchez and Lombardo urge anyone hesitant about technology to reach out without embarrassment. Lombardo advises, “Don’t be afraid to make that call…you may have a question that would seem simple to a fifth grader, but that’s OK to ask because everyone has to start somewhere.” Mitchell‑Sanchez echoes this sentiment, noting that the navigator’s job is to meet patrons where they are, regardless of prior experience. This welcoming stance helps dismantle stigma and encourages a culture where seeking help is viewed as a proactive step toward self‑sufficiency.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Wallingford Public Library’s digital‑navigator program illustrates how targeted, compassionate tech instruction can yield meaningful personal and communal benefits. Through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Elijah Mitchell‑Sanchez, patrons such as Jerry Lombardo gain the skills to preserve memories, share passions, and engage confidently with digital tools. As technology continues to evolve, the library’s commitment to teaching—rather than doing—ensures that its community remains adaptable, informed, and connected. Continued investment in navigator services promises to sustain this empowering trajectory for years to come.