WESTBROOK – There’s a new literacy Walker Memorial Library is promoting – digital literacy.

And next week, the library will host an all-day “Digital Petting Zoo,” where staff will offer tutorials and support for owners of devices such as iPads, eReaders and more.

The event, on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., is deliberately being held prior to Black Friday, the nation’s all-but-official post-Thanksgiving shopping holiday, to help residents gauge their technological needs and options.

Walker librarian Christina Dorman said Monday that the event is aimed at increasing public awareness of what the library offers in terms of new technology, as well as to answer questions from customers who already own one or more of these devices.

“We want patrons to have a hands-on experience with these new devices, as well as a question-and-answer session for those who already own a device or ones who are thinking about purchasing one,” she said.

According to Janet McKenney, director of library development for the Maine State Library in Augusta, “Digital Petting Zoos” are becoming part of a national and statewide trend aimed at engaging library-goers in the technology discussion. “There’s a big effort, both nationally and in the state, to do digital literacy training,” she said Tuesday.

Through a technology grant, the Maine State Library was able to put together this “traveling petting zoo” through purchasing 36 items ranging from Nexus tablets, Kindle HDs, Nook HDs, Nook Simple Readers, iPad Minis, and more.

The goal, she said is to train both library staff and their patrons on these products and how they can be integrated into community libraries.

McKenney said that while the rollout of the program was only a few weeks ago, state library staff had been amassing the “zoo” during the summer, and offered a trial run to residents of Southwest Harbor.

“They were able to give us feedback on the devices, what worked, and what didn’t work,” she said.

Dorman said she sees libraries as “one of the last great equalizers for overcoming the digital divide,” which is known as the gap between those who have ready access to computers and the Internet and those who do not. She said that while many patrons come for the traditional resources of books and research materials, Walker also offers free computer access, computer classes, free Wi-Fi and tech support troubleshooting.

Walker Memorial Library already hosts a weekly program aimed at multi-faceted assistance for new technology. Its “Wireless Wednesdays” program offers drop-in tech support and classes on subjects such as basic Internet, Facebook for seniors, the Internet for job hunters, and several others.

Dorman said that as technology evolves, public libraries have to evolve with it, and that the role of librarian itself is also changing.

“We have to become the centers for information on current events such as voting, health care and adult education classes for those individuals who do not have access to the Internet from their homes,” she said. “We, as librarians, are no longer the providers of information, but rather curators of the digital age: creating, cataloging and updating content for our patrons.”

McKenney said that it’s difficult for libraries to keep up with latest technology, especially when new products cost considerable funds that most libraries don’t have. She said that the “Digital Petting Zoo” program assists libraries in keeping up with customer needs, and that so far, feedback from librarians has been exceptional.

“Based on community interest, it’s also helping libraries gauge what their investment in these devices should be going forward,” she said.

Ever since smart phones and tablet devices have become more popular for gaining quick Internet access, libraries are following suit in order to adapt to the marketplace.

“I want people to understand that they have choices and that different devices are better suited for different tasks,” Dorman said.

However, the library’s engagement with customers on tech devices is not just beneficial for the patron.

“Libraries have become much more interactive due to the rise of social media,” Dorman said. “We’re able to connect to patrons though the web, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Social media and technology have allowed us to communicate with more people than ever before.”

Walker Memorial Library has purchased new devices, such as two iPads, two Simple Touches from Nook, a Sony Reader and a Kobo, which will be on display among the state library-supplied devices during the event. The Q&A sessions during the day are scheduled to cover Android products, Apple products, eBooks and eReaders, and an entire session dedicated to Apps.

A common theme between Dorman and McKenney is that events such as this are promoting the fact that Maine libraries are tech savvy.

“We want to let the community know that we are so much more than just books,” said Dorman. “We strive to serve the greater community, promote traditional and digital literacy and better our community as a whole.”

A CLOSER LOOK

Walker Memorial Library “Digital Petting Zoo” is Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 800 Main St. There will be open Q&A discussions about each of the following devices:

11:15 a.m. Android (tablets, smartphones)

12:15 p.m. iProducts (iPad, iPad mini, iPhone)

2:15 p.m. E-books / E-readers (Kindles, Nooks, all tablets)

3:15 p.m. Appy Hour

Christina Dorman, a librarian at Walker Memorial Library, sets up the library’s collection of tech devices Wednesday, including an Apple iPad, a Sony Reader, and a Nook. The Westbrook library will receive 36 additional devices from the Maine State Library when it hosts its first-ever “Digital Petting Zoo” event on Saturday, Nov. 23.