Google photo
A "Googler" works with people during a Grow with Google event. The downtown Spokane Public Library will host Grow with Google on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The workshops, in partnership with Spokane Public Libraries and supported by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, are free to anyone who wants to sign up via this link.
It's the only stop Google has planned for Washington state as part of a national "Grow with Google" initiative to provide entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits with the type of search engine optimization training they might not otherwise have access to.
"Grow with Google and our IT director connected last year on this opportunity where Google is coming out to different communities to teach these hands-on workshops," explains Amanda Donovan, director of marketing and communication for Spokane Public Libraries. "We really saw it align with our overall mission of becoming a community of learning and especially focusing on hands-on digital skills."
It's a transition that libraries are making all across the country, Donovan says.
"According to the American Library Association, nearly three-quarters of libraries already have job development programming in place, and 90 percent are helping patrons learn basic digital skills," a news release about the Grow with Google event states. "The 'Grow with Google' workshops will kick off a grant opportunity for Washington libraries to enhance their community digital skills programing. Applications for Washington libraries open January 21."
The workshops will be held between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm on the third floor of the downtown Spokane Public Library, 906 W. Main.
There also will be limited opportunities for others who want to drop-in the day of the workshop to get a short one-on-one with one of a handful of Googlers for help with things like setting up an email account and/or working with Google tools like spreadsheets.
