San Francisco — Thousands of households in San Francisco could be receiving $30/month towards their broadband bill. But most haven’t yet applied for the federal subsidy, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This year’s SF Tech Week aims to change that with ACP signup events and outreach, as well as classes and workshops to make using a phone or computer easy and fun.

“Technology should work for you,” says Kate Eppler, Digital Equity Manager at San Francisco Public Library. “This year’s SF Tech Week will feature ways technology can help, from making communication easier to capturing special moments on your smartphone camera.”

During SF Tech Week 2023, locations around the city will host dozens of free classes, offering help and information in five languages. Several events will also have opportunities to win a free refurbished device, courtesy of Tech Exchange.

SF Tech Week 2023 participants can learn about accessibility features commonly available on computers and phones. They’ll also have chances to program a robot, create a family technology plan and brush up on their computer skills. Attendees can hear exciting speakers discuss AI and the future of technology; teens can learn coding; and everyone can take a tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown recreated in the online world of Minecraft.

SF Tech Week is produced by two dozen San Francisco organizations that provide technology training and resources. The full schedule is at sfpl.org/techweek.

Program Highlights

Minecraft Tour of San Francisco's Chinatown — May 7, 12 p.m.

Register to join on Zoom: on.sfpl.org/tw23chinatown. Also viewable live in the Main Library, 5th Floor, Learning Studio (no registration)

JavaScript for Beginners — May 7, 2 p.m. Main Library, 5th Floor, Computer Training Center. Register: on.sfpl.org/tw23javascript

Office Hours: Rethinking Tech Use at Home/Horas de oficina para la Semana Tecnológica: Reconsideración del uso de tecnología en casa — May 8, 5 p.m. Main Library, 5th Floor, Learning Studio. No registration. Or register to join on Zoom: on.sfpl.org/tw23rethink

Internet Basics — May 9, 11 a.m. Main Library, 5th Floor, Computer Training Center. No registration.

The Unintended Consequences of Technology with Chris Ategeka and Scott Mauvais — May 9, 6 p.m. Main Library, Koret Auditorium. No registration.

Using the Accessibility Features in Microsoft Office — May 10, 11 a.m. Main Library, 5th Floor, Computer Training Center. No registration. 

網上銀行：存入支票 （粵） / Online Banking: Deposit a Check (Cantonese) — May 10, 1 p.m. Register to join on Zoom: on.sfpl.org/tw23bank or join Zoom with Meeting ID: 837 8783 0267  報名Zoom綫上課程：on.sfpl.org/tw23bank 或輸入 Zoom ID號 837 8783 0267。

Money for Home Internet: ACP Enrollment / 家庭互聯網的錢 / inscripción del Programa de Descuentos para Internet (ACP) — May 11, 1 p.m. Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room, Lower Level). No registration.

Photowalk in the Mission/ Caminata de Fotos Por La Mision (English and Spanish) — May 12, 10 a.m. Meet at Ruth's Table, 3160 21st St. (at Capp St.) Register at/inscribirse (415) 821–1003 ext. 113 or info@sfcommunityliving.org

Everyday Accessibility: Game–Changing, Built–in Tools that Benefit Everyone — May 13, 11 a.m. Main Library, 5th Floor, Learning Studio. Masks encouraged. Registration suggested: (415) 557–4388.

AI and AI Robotics — May 13, 1:30 p.m. Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room,Lower Level. Masks encouraged. Registration suggested: at hello@supertechft.org. 

2023 Tech Week SF Partners and Sponsors Include:

Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, AT&T Connected Learning, Chinatown Community Development Center, Common Sense Media, Community Living Campaign, Community Tech Network (CTN), Curry Senior Center, Dev/Mission, Felton Institute Tech Squad, Goodwill, JVS, Mission Bit, San Francisco Office of Digital Equity, St. Anthony’s Tenderloin Tech Lab, Self Help for the Elderly, SF Tech Council, SFUSD Department of Technology, SuperTech FT, Tech Exchange, TechSF, Verizon, The Women’s Building

About San Francisco Public Library:

San Francisco Public Library is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles.