Computer Classes

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We offer free computer classes that provide hands-on training to adults. Please view Class Descriptions for classes currently available.  Let us help you build your confidence when using computers in the library, at home, at work, or when looking for a job. 

The majority of our scheduled computer classes are conducted at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Classes are generally accessible on a walk-in basis (no registration required, except where indicated) and seats are limited to 12 workstations that accommodate 12 participants.  These limited seats are filled on a first-come, first-served sign-in process that begins one-half hour before class begins.  There are six overflow seats for customers who want to observe the class, but will not have access to a workstation during the class.  Overflow customers must also sign-in and are free to bring their laptops.

We also offer the NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment and Certificate service, which allows you to earn this respected workforce credential in one or more of the following areas of basic digital literacy:

  • Computer Basics
  • Internet
  • Windows
  • MAC OS X
  • E-mail
  • MS Word
  • Social Media
  • MS Excel
  • MS PowerPoint
  • Information Literacy

Please consult the library calendar or the printed Computer Class Calendar flyer to find a class. The FAQs below can answer many of your questions. If you can’t find the answer to your question there, please contact Desire Grogan at desire.grogan@dc.gov or 202-727-1471.

The library is also currently partnering with ByteBack to offer longer training sessions to our users.  Please visit ByteBack's website to find out more or call to register: 202-529-3395.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Classes

How often are classes offered?

Free computer classes are offered every month of the year and are advertised about one week before the first of the month. From month to month, class times vary, based on trainer availability and in order to accommodate weekday, evening and Saturday attendance during the library’s hours of operation. Each class is a one-time workshop and is scheduled for one, two or three hours of instruction and hands-on training. For this reason, customers are encouraged to repeat a class several times, in order to strengthen their skills, before moving on to the next level of classes. Our year-round schedule allows for this kind of repetition in the learning process.

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Do I have to register to attend?

The majority of our scheduled computer classes and digital assessments are currently offered on a walk-in basis and seats are filled on a first-come, first-served Sign-in process that begins one-half hour before class begins.  There are six (6) overflow seats for customers who want to observe the class, but will not have access to a workstation during the class.  Overflow customers are free to bring their laptops.  One or more of our classes may require online registration. These classes will contain a register link when you click the class title.  Click the register link to start your registration for that particular class.

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What happens if I am late for class?

Latecomers must first check-in at the Adult Learning Department to determine if all seats have been filled.  If there is an available seat, a late customer will be required to sign-in before entering the Lab.  A latecomer may be assigned a workstation, if available, or may be assigned to an overflow seat without a workstation.  Latecomers should understand that the trainer will not be repeating covered material. This would be unfair to those who arrived on time. Thank you for being on time!

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How do I find the latest schedule?

The online calendar is available for viewing on the library's Web site at least one week before the upcoming month.  The hard copy version of this same calendar is available at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and at your local neighborhood libraries throughout the city. Please consult the current schedule of computer classes in order to choose the class (es) you wish to attend.

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Where do I go for class?

All of the classes in our list of Class Descriptions are held in the Computer Lab at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

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Class Canceled: What do I do?

Due to circumstances outside the library's control, a scheduled class may get canceled. As most cancellations are the result of last-minute emergencies, we apologize, in advance, for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you arrive to discover that a class has been canceled, please feel free to walk in on another class of the same or different type during the month. Whenever possible, canceled classes will be noted on the online calendar.

If there is inclement weather, please call 202-727-1111 to find out if the library is open. Thank you, in advance, for your patience.

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