Los Alamos Library adds free GetSetUp tech classes for residents

Los Alamos Public Library this month began offering free access to more than 150 live and on-demand GetSetUp classes, made available statewide through New Mexico State Library funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The collection, accessible through the library website with no library card required, focuses on digital literacy tools and practical tech skills that many residents use every day.

Courses cover Microsoft, Apple, Android and Google platforms, introduce AI-awareness and scams, and include other technology topics with new offerings added weekly. Classes are designed for a range of learners and are intended to help older adults, caregivers and other residents increase confidence using devices and online services.

The library’s move addresses more than convenience. Digital competency is increasingly a public health issue: patients who can navigate telemedicine portals can keep appointments and manage chronic conditions more easily, while people who understand online scams are less likely to fall victim to fraud that can erode financial security and access to healthcare. For older adults on the Hill and across Los Alamos County, these classes can reduce social isolation by opening pathways to video calls, community programming and online civic participation.

The program also reflects broader policy priorities to close the digital divide in rural and smaller communities. Federal funding routed through the state library enabled statewide access to GetSetUp, showing how targeted investments can expand services without requiring users to hold a library card. That lowers a common administrative barrier and supports equity by making training available to neighbors who may not regularly use library services.

Participation still requires a device and internet access, so the availability of classes does not eliminate all barriers. Residents without reliable connectivity or hardware remain at a disadvantage; local policymakers and service providers will need to align efforts around device lending, public Wi-Fi and outreach to ensure the training reaches those who need it most.

To use the new offerings, residents can visit the Los Alamos Public Library website and follow links to the GetSetUp platform. With weekly new topics and a mix of live and on-demand options, the program aims to keep pace with evolving technology and the needs of an aging population.

For readers, the change means a low-barrier way to sharpen digital skills that affect health, safety and everyday life. Expect the library to add topics over time and consider this a practical resource for staying connected, managing health online and protecting yourself from scams.