NCW Libraries offers workshops for navigating, avoiding AI

LEAVENWORTH — Depending on the day and the headline, artificial intelligence (AI) can either save the world, or be the reason for its demise. Either way, it’s here, it’s everywhere, and it’s changing the world.

To better understand how to navigate this rapidly developing technology, NCW Libraries is hosting several workshops throughout the fall, ranging from how to use it safely to how to avoid it altogether.

“We hope that these workshops will give people the full picture of AI’s possibilities and pitfalls so that they can make their own informed choices about its use,” said Leavenworth Librarian Hannah Kwon.

The one-hour AI Foundations session, hosted in partnership with NCW Tech Alliance, provides a friendly, beginner-level introduction to AI. Led by Jennifer Walker, Technology Programs Manager at NCW Tech Alliance, the session covers what AI is, how tools like Chat GPT and Microsoft Copilot work, and how they can help with everyday tasks like understanding information, organizing ideas, planning, communication, brainstorming and creating checklists.

Attendees practice asking AI for help or information and learn simple ways to get more useful responses. The session also covers how to use AI safely and responsibly, including what information should never be shared, when AI-generated information should be double-checked, and how to recognize common AI-enhanced scams. The session is free, and participants who complete the training receive a certificate.

AI Foundations will be held at the Leavenworth Library Sept. 29 from 5-6 p.m. in English and from 6-7 p.m. in Spanish. It will also be at the East Wenatchee Library Sept. 23, with sessions in English starting at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and in Spanish at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. In Quincy, the session will be offered on Sept. 30; sessions in English start at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., with sessions in Spanish at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

NCW Libraries will also host a presentation and workshop that explores the darker tenets of AI, offering tools for how to protect devices and privacy.

“As librarians, we want to equip the public to use digital tools like AI to enhance their lives safely and responsibly. But we have an equal duty to address concerns relating to privacy, bias, and cognitive and mental health consequences so that people can make informed choices about whether to use AI or opt out,” said Kwon.

Avoiding AI: Breaking up with Big Tech will explore generative AI, why it is being promoted, and the reasons for opting out of its use. It will cover how the technology works, ways it is unreliable, privacy concerns, and how to disable it on personal devices.

Avoiding AI: Breaking up with Big Tech will take place at the Wenatchee Library from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 8, the Winthrop Library from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 17, and the Leavenworth Library 10-11a.m. Oct. 22.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media