Brisbane’s free digital literacy push: libraries, courses and AI for all ages

Brisbane City Council Libraries are quietly running a free program called Tech Connect that offers digital literacy workshops and one-on-one device help for every age and skill level, according to the council’s website. The workshops cover device usage and software navigation, making them a practical option for anyone who has ever stared at a screen unsure where to click.

Targeted help for seniors and beyond

For older residents, the not-for-profit Brisbane Seniors Online provides in-person computer, tablet and smartphone training specifically for seniors across the greater Brisbane area, according to the Queensland Government’s digital-learning support page. The group charges an annual membership fee but keeps its focus narrow: helping people who grew up without smartphones navigate today’s connected world.

Those aged 50 and over can also tap into Be Connected, the Australian government’s initiative offering hundreds of free short online courses on scams, banking, social media and passwords. The program has been extended until June 2028, according to the Department of Social Services, giving a multi-year runway for seniors who want to learn at their own pace from home.

Free coding, AI courses, and what’s next

Brisbane library cardholders get free access to platforms like Codecademy, Khan Academy and Choice through their eLibrary membership, according to the library’s online-resources page. That means anyone with a library card can start learning to code or brush up on digital literacy without paying a cent. The State Library of Queensland, accessible through Brisbane libraries, offers the Good Things Learning platform, which includes courses on AI topics, a timely addition as generative tools become more common in daily life.

The city’s push into digital literacy is not just about basics. Brisbane Catholic Education launched Microsoft Copilot for secondary students in 2026 to enable safe, ethical generative AI learning, according to a local education news report. That move signals a broader effort to prepare students for a world where AI agents and automated systems are part of the workplace.

Brisbane’s library network essentially acts as a distribution hub for these resources. A resident who walks into any branch can get one-on-one help through Tech Connect, sign up for Be Connected courses online, or check out coding tutorials through the eLibrary. None of it requires a credit card, just a willingness to learn.

For anyone who feels left behind by the pace of technology, the message from the council and its partners is simple: help is free, local and available now.