Technology Instruction

Our Classes — In Person or Online!

The MCLS Technology Instruction Program offers group classes on Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Windows, Internet, and more! 

All group classes take place at the Lawrence Headquarters branch with a select few also offered in a hybrid format. Hybrid classes are offered online via GoToMeeting. When registering for a hybrid class, you choose how you want to attend.

How the Virtual Option Works

  • Classes are streamed live over GoToMeeting, an online meeting program that is free to use—no account is required. 
  • You can type questions to the instructor during class using the chat feature. 
  • The link to the class will be included in the confirmation email you will receive after registering.
  • To access GoToMeeting, either download the app to your computer or tablet, or open it in your web browser (no download required for this option). 

Open Labs

Use our computer classroom to work on your own computer projects. You can practice your mouse and keyboarding skills, continue working on something from a class, practice for your Northstar Assessment, or work on something else! Our technology trainers will be available to assist you. 

Note: If you want to work on an existing project, save your file to a flash drive and bring it to the library, or just email it to yourself! 

Registration, Attendance, and Cancellations

Registration is required for all group classes and open labs. You can also register in person at the Reference Desk in any of the MCLS branches. Register early, in-person attendance for group classes is limited to 12 people. 

Please arrive on time. Class will start promptly at time posted. If you cannot make a class for which you are registered, please let us know by emailing techclass@mcl.org or calling 609-882-4050. 

Important: If you fail to attend three (3) classes without notifying us all of your remaining registrations will be canceled.

Northstar Digital Literacy

The Lawrence Headquarters Branch is an official Northstar location. Northstar Digital Literacy, a program of Literacy Minnesota, is an assessment and learning tool designed to assess the skills needed to perform tasks on the computer and online. The program curriculum and assessments are backed by the nationally-recognized College and Career Readiness Standards (CCR).

Once you create your own Northstar Online Learning account, you can explore the free online modules, which offer lessons in Microsoft Office, Windows, Internet, and more! Test your proficiency in these essential digital skills and take practice assessments. You can also save your work, track your progress, and earn digital badges.

When you’re ready, come to the Lawrence Headquarters Branch to take the proctored assessments for the modules of your choosing. A passing score of 85% or higher grants you a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate. Our technology trainers offer multiple opportunities each month to take assessments.

Downloadable Handouts

These are are the current handouts used and given out in the computer classes. This material is simply supplemental, not complete lesson plans.


Many of the PCs and printers used to offer Internet access to the public were purchased through grant monies made available through the New Jersey State Library Technology Grant Program.