New workshops help community navigate artificial intelligence
LA PLATA, Md. – Charles County Public Library (CCPL) is launching AI Ready, a new series of free workshops and classes designed to help community members of all ages better understand artificial intelligence and develop the skills to use AI tools safely, effectively, and responsibly.
Beginning in September, AI Ready will offer separate learning opportunities for Kids & Families, Teens, and Adults, with programs continuing into January 2027. Workshops will be offered at CCPL branches throughout Charles County, and virtually, depending on the session.
“Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming part of how we learn, work, create, and interact with information every day,” said Sarah Anderson, Program and Outreach Manager. “With AI Ready, we want to give our community a place to explore these tools, ask questions, and build practical skills while also thinking critically about privacy, accuracy, creativity, and responsible use.”
Each AI Ready series is designed around the needs and experiences of its audience:
- AI Ready Kids & Families helps children ages 6-11 and their caregivers explore AI together through fun, age-appropriate activities. Families will learn what AI is, where it appears in everyday life, how to interact with chatbots safely, how to recognize AI-generated content, and how to develop responsible AI habits at home.
- AI Ready Teens gives teens 12-18 practical AI literacy skills for school, creative projects, online spaces, and everyday life. Sessions explore getting useful results from AI, content creation, AI-generated media and misinformation, projects and entrepreneurship, and responsible use.
- AI Ready Adults helps adults build confidence with AI through practical sessions covering AI fundamentals, getting useful results from AI tools, misinformation and privacy, everyday applications, job searching and career development, and responsible AI habits.
No previous AI experience is required. Sessions are designed to stand alone, allowing participants to attend topics that interest them or take part in the full series.
The first AI Ready programs begin in September with AI Ready Teens: What Is AI and Where Is It Showing Up? on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Waldorf West branch; AI Ready Kids & Families: What Is AI? on Monday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Waldorf West branch; and AI Ready Adults: AI Fundamentals on Friday, Sept. 25 at noon, held virtually.
Registration is required for AI Ready programs.
Learn more about AI Ready, view the full program schedule, and register for upcoming sessions at ccplonline.org/aiready/.
About Charles County Public Library
The Charles County Public Library creates opportunities for our community to engage, discover, and learn. CCPL consists of four library branches, a Mobile Library, the Discovery Lab, a 24-Hour Library Kiosk at the Nanjemoy Community Center, and a location inside the Charles County Detention Center. CCPL has over 80 full- and part-time employees. Our branches house over 200,000 volumes of printed materials, audiobooks, films, and other documents. We also have an online branch at www.ccplonline.org, where we regularly add new resources. Currently, over 75,000 county residents hold library cards, and this number continues to grow daily.