Hurstville Library has opened a dedicated technology hub offering free digital skills training to residents, with courses ranging from basic computer literacy for seniors to introductory AI workshops for small business owners.

The Tech Hub, located on the library’s ground floor, features 20 computer workstations, a digital media studio, and a training room that can accommodate 30 people. Georges River Council invested $450,000 in the facility, which opened to the public last week.

“Digital exclusion is a real issue in our community,” said Georges River Mayor Nick Katris. “Not everyone has access to technology at home, and not everyone has the skills to use it even if they do. The library is the natural place to address this.”

Programs on Offer

The Tech Hub’s initial program includes:

Digital Basics - Covering email, internet browsing, and online safety for those new to computers. Sessions run three mornings per week.

Smartphone Essentials - Helping seniors get comfortable with their devices, including video calling family and accessing government services.

Small Business Digital - Teaching local business owners about social media marketing, Google tools, and basic website management.

AI Fundamentals - An introduction to artificial intelligence, including practical applications for everyday life and work.

Addressing Community Needs

Library manager Jennifer Okonkwo said the programs were designed based on community consultation. “We asked residents what skills they wanted to learn. The answers surprised us in some ways.”

Demand for AI education was particularly strong among older residents. “There’s so much in the news about AI, and people want to understand what it actually means for them,” Okonkwo explained. “Is it going to take their grandchildren’s jobs? Should they be worried about it? People have genuine questions.”

The small business courses have been popular with operators from Hurstville’s diverse retail strip. Many shops are family-run by migrants who are experts in their trades but less confident with digital marketing.

Early Success Stories

Wei Zhang, who runs a tailoring business on Forest Road, attended the first Small Business Digital course. “I knew I needed to be on social media, but I didn’t know where to start. Now I have an Instagram account showing my work. Already I have new customers who found me online.”

For 78-year-old Patricia Morrison, the Smartphone Essentials course has transformed her connection to family. “My grandchildren live in Melbourne. Before, I could only talk to them on the phone. Now we do video calls every Sunday. I can see them growing up.”

Partnerships and Volunteers

The Tech Hub operates with support from local volunteers, many of them university students from nearby campuses. UNSW and UTS both have formal partnerships with the library for student placements.

Local tech companies have also contributed. Several St George businesses have provided equipment and staff time to deliver specialised workshops.

Access and Booking

All Tech Hub programs are free for Georges River residents. Courses can be booked online or in person at the library. Equipment is available for use during library hours without booking.

The council plans to evaluate the hub’s first six months of operation before potentially expanding similar facilities to other library branches in Kogarah and Mortdale.