Cairns Libraries maps digital literacy future with free courses, in-person help for all ages

Cairns Libraries has stepped up its digital literacy push, offering free online courses and videos covering mobile devices, email, computers, and online safety through its eLibrary 'Learn & Research' portal, according to the Cairns Regional Council. The resources, available to any library member, aim to close the digital divide for a region where internet access and device confidence remain uneven.

The timing matters. As AI agents start moving onto the open internet, internet pioneer Vint Cerf is working on a plan to let them roam freely, and as identity systems struggle to keep up (Oak just emerged from stealth with $60 million to fix the mess), everyday people in Cairns risk being left behind. The library's offerings provide a safety net: basic digital skills that underpin everything from telehealth appointments to secure online banking.

Hands-on help and teen-friendly AI

Library staff run in-person 'Tech Help' and 'Tech Talk' sessions, plus one-on-one guidance on apps such as Libby, BorrowBox, and Wi-Fi setup. The programs aren't just for older residents. A one-day 'Tech Essentials for Teens' course, held in Cairns, tackles digital literacy, AI basics, modern tech tools, and safe online behaviour. For younger children, membership unlocks resources like BUSYTHINGS (aimed at ages 3-11) and Rainforest Coding, which teaches Scratch programming for ages five and up.

Leah, a local mother of two, told The Daily Cairns her kids have been working through Rainforest Coding at home. 'We're not super techy, but the library portal makes it easy, the kids just log in and get going,' she said. 'It’s free, which is huge.'

The Queensland Government's 'Be Connected' initiative, accessible through local libraries, offers free online courses, articles, and podcasts designed to build confidence and safety for older Australians in the digital world. That program dovetails with the library's own seniors-focused content on online safety.

What's next

There’s no official announcement of new digital literacy courses on the council calendar yet. But the existing pipeline, from toddler coding to senior cybersecurity basics, puts Cairns Libraries in a position to roll out updated material quickly. eSafety Commissioner guides for under-16s, available via the council's literacy strategy documents, suggest the framework is already there.

Residents wanting to get ahead can access the eLibrary portal now. For those who prefer face-to-face, Tech Help and Tech Talk sessions continue at library branches across the city. With AI reshaping everything from job applications to scams, the best time to learn may be yesterday, but starting today is a close second.