AARP NH Helps Local Organizations Bridge the Digital Divide for Older Granite Staters in 2025

Bridging the digital divide for people aged 50 and older can be a game-changer.

Imagine how much easier life could be with access to online services—whether it's managing health appointments, staying in touch with family and friends, or even picking up new hobbies and skills.

For many, learning to use digital tools can open up a whole new world of opportunities, from finding part-time work to joining online communities that share their interests. Plus, it helps combat feelings of isolation by keeping them connected and engaged with the world around them. It's all about making sure everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy the benefits of our digital age.

AARP New Hampshire is focused on helping older Granite Staters to have meaningful access to high-speed internet. That access does not only mean that high-speed internet is available, but also that people can afford it, have devices, and know how to use those devices. They also need to know how to keep themselves safe online.

To that end, in 2025 AARP NH is sponsoring the initiatives of eight Granite State organizations to help bridge the digital divide.

James A. Tuttle Library (Antrim)
AARP NH’s sponsorship will cover the yearly cost of two hotspots and connections! To learn more, contact Cindy Jewett at: tuttlelibrary@gmail.com

Minot-Sleeper Library (Bristol)
AARP NH’s sponsorship covers the cost of three hotspots and the monthly fee. They will be a great way for people to stay connected to the ever-growing online world. For more information, please contact Patty Hayward at: librarian@bristolnh.gov.

Lee Public Library
AARP NH’s sponsorship allows for nine monthly Senior Tech Classes and one-on-one training sessions on topics such as using internet browsers, how to use smartphones, email, social media and navigating online safety! To learn more please contact Hayley Van-Gils at: leelibrary@comcast.net.

Moultonborough Public Library
Funding provided by AARP NH will provide for an Android phone to help librarians learn how certain features work to be able to aid patrons with Android devices. This sponsorship will also cover tuition for librarians to attend classes to learn strategies for marketing tech classes. If you have any questions please contact Brittany Durgin at: director@moultonboroughlibrary.org.

Ossipee Public Library
With a sponsorship from AARP NH, the library will provide subscriptions to NorthStar to offer four tech classes to groups of 5-15 students. For more information please contact Jenny Spofford at: librarydirector@ossipeelibrary.org.

Plymouth Pemi-Baker Literacy
With a sponsorship from AARP NH, Pemi-Baker Literacy will provide tech classes focused on computer essentials, tech for everyday life, smartphones, antivirus, social media, AI and malware software. For more information please contact Darcy McCarthy at: pemibakerliteracy@gmail.com.

Gafney Library (Sanbornville)
With a sponsorship from AARP NH, the library will provide instructor-lead classes about how to use different tech devices, cybersecurity, and AI basics. The sponsorship also covers the cost of class materials and program promotion. For more information please contact Amy Swanson at: amy.swanson@gafneylibrary.org.

Somersworth Public Library
AARP NH’s sponsorship will buy two new computers with large screen displays and hardware that is more user friendly for older library patrons. For more information please contact Tanya O’Dee at: todee@somersworthnh.gov.
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For resources, classes, advice and more from the AARP Personal Tech Center, please visit here: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/