“The footprint that we’re able to leave on our community by helping our neighbors is great,” said volunteer and rising Ridge High School tenth grader Ashwath Saravanan of Basking Ridge. “Plus we get to see how older people are living and experiencing this day and age – and we get to know their perspective and background.”
The library’s technology programs also include classes on tech basics and other services to help patrons navigate the digital world, including the library itself, which is becoming more tech-based.
The library uses the Libby app to allow patrons to download digital books, audiobooks and other digital resources on personal devices. Volunteers said they frequently help patrons learn how to use the app so they can take advantage of the digital tools the library has to offer.
“The technology program is one of the best library resources, and the library itself is so great for the community,” said Mike Yelvigi, a library patron from Basking Ridge who has received some tech tips from teens. “I love using the facilities, and the people are very nice.”
The Tech Teen program has been a fixture of the library for about five years, according to Karen Andriolo, the emerging technologies librarian here.
Andriolo said before the program was developed, the library had many patrons coming in with questions about how to use their devices. She noted that there also were many teens who were eager to help, so the library saw a “great way to team them up.”
Andriolo also said the intergenerational connection between the volunteers and patrons is something she enjoys seeing.
“People from all different generations and cultures who wouldn’t normally interact are interacting here at the library,” she said.
Andriolo said the tech support at the library became more pertinent and necessary with the COVID-19 pandemic, which created a push toward almost exclusively online interactions.
Many patrons still come in with questions about navigating Zoom and telemedicine, she said.
Teen volunteer Saravanan also noted the importance of technology during the pandemic.
He said technology helped him connect with his extended family in India. He said he knows “how crucial it is to know how to use these tools to connect with others,” which is why he is so eager to help at the library.
“The most rewarding part of volunteering is when someone I help is satisfied at the end because they now know how to do something they didn’t know how to do before,” added teen volunteer and rising Ridge High tenth grader Nehmat Bhatia. “It’s a great feeling.”
Tech Teens are available from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the library, which is located at 32 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, call the library at (908) 204-3031 or visit bernardslibrary.org.