Community Visionary: Louis Ducsharm | Camrose Public Library
Bringing digital literacy to the forefront of library programming to create a safe space for all.
New technology can be confusing and uncomfortable for some people, especially older generations. Sometimes, this discomfort leads to people putting modern ways of communicating and learning on the back burner and choosing to do without. On the other hand, when someone grows up in a digital world filled with technology, it’s hard to get by and enjoy time without it. But, every once in a while, the best of both worlds collide to make something special.
The Camrose Public Library has that something special with the help of a staff member who is paving the way for digital literacy, safety and community connections in the city.
Louis Ducsharm moved to Camrose in the fall of 2022 from Peace River. Although he doesn’t come with library experience, his background in event management paved the way for him to join the library staff as an event programmer. “I happened to kind of fall into library programming by accident,” he says. “It’s been really fun.”
His role at the library changes every day, but that’s what Louis likes best. “The library wants to do stuff for a whole variety of people, and that means I get to do a variety of things,” he says. Since his start at the library, Louis has been working primarily with teens, young adults and seniors, running educational sessions and activities throughout the week.
Although Louis plans on beefing up all aspects of the library’s event calendar once a new school year begins in September, he’s already started to implement a couple of programs that suit not only the interests of the community but his own.
“I want to make things more accessible for people and have them be excited to use technology and hang out at the library.”
Louis has introduced many clubs and groups, like Sunday craft sessions, as a way for community members of all ages to connect with one another for free. He’s also gotten a chance to bring his passion and knowledge for technology into the library’s programming. “I was one of those kids that lived on their computer,” says Louis. “Even now, I'm very connected to my tech, and there are so many ways it can help different people.”
Louis and the library have put digital literacy and safety as a focus in their programming recently, especially for the more vulnerable members of the community, like seniors and children. As part of this programming, Louis offers tech one-on-ones to teach individuals how to perform a specific task on their mobile device or computer and gives presentations to schools and other partner organizations to teach media and digital literacy and safety. “Screen time is fun, so why not use it in a more positive manner,” says Louis.
With the help of a Vision Helping Hands Grant, the library plans to purchase ten additional iPads for their tech programs and bring their “Tech Tub” into schools to teach digital design for 3D printing, run music and coding programs and more.
Although technology is fun and educational for many people, especially youth, Louis also recognizes that it can cause a lot of harm. “I think giving people tools to avoid getting hurt is important.” That’s why the library offers digital literacy and safety presentations so youth and seniors in long-term care facilities and the SOS Coalition can understand the dangers of scams, AI and more.
“There's definitely lots of interest and people wanting to see these programs happen,” says Louis, and he’s excited to build on what’s already happening at the library. “As a kid, I remember hanging out at the library for hours on end doing crafts and socializing with people.”
Louis is determined to make the library feel like home for all Camrose residents, just as it felt to him when he was a kid. “I want to make things more accessible for people and have them be excited to use technology and hang out at the library,” he says. “I want them to know that they have a place that is welcoming and safe. There’s so much potential, and I really want to see that happen.”
Check out more of the Library's available programs on their website.
