By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The Seattle Public Library is expanding its free cloud computing and artificial intelligence education programs this fall, offering classes at several library branches and online after a pilot program with Amazon Web Services drew 550 participants and helped 13 local residents earn industry certifications.
The expanded programming includes introductory cloud computing and career-development courses through Amazon Web Services, along with library workshops addressing AI literacy, data privacy and the risks and benefits of emerging technology. Library officials say the programs are designed in part to reach residents who may face barriers to technology education, including older adults, immigrants and refugees.
For SPL, the expansion comes in response to growing interest from patrons seeking both employment-related technology skills and a better understanding of how artificial intelligence may affect their everyday lives.
“Our community wants to understand AI, learn about potential risks and how to protect themselves, and many folks also want to learn job skills related to AI and other growing technologies,” said Kristina Darnell, The Seattle Public Library’s Community Engagement and Economic Development Services Manager. “In response, we have created new programs that serve a range of interests and needs. We are partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the second year to expand access to their career training classes on cloud computing and AI. Most of this fall’s introductory AWS classes offered through the library are focused on cloud computing.”
The fall programming follows a 2025-26 pilot with AWS and the Seattle Housing Authority that delivered 51 technology classes to 550 attendees, including sessions hosted at the NewHolly Branch.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation also funded exam vouchers for participants who completed multi-session training tracks, removing the cost of certification exams for those students. Thirteen participants went on to earn AWS certifications.
“After a year, it’s very clear that these are in demand,” said Darnell. “Students of AWS classes at the library have been very complimentary about the classes, reporting that the programs were accessible, engaging, and useful, helping them gain in-demand skills, and that the AWS trainers have been excellent.”
Among the participants was Namrata, who earned two AWS certifications using Foundation-funded exam vouchers and described the program as a “game-changer.” Another participant, Atul, a recent Seattle University graduate, completed 10 classes and earned Cloud Practitioner and AI Practitioner certifications. He is now pursuing a career as a solutions architect.
Darnell said SPL is particularly interested in making the programs available to people who may not otherwise have easy access to technology education.
“We are particularly interested in reaching communities that might not otherwise have access to these types of programs and skills classes, such as elders and immigrants and refugees,” Darnell noted. “Offering the AWS classes both online and in person helps make them even more accessible.”
The effort builds on technology education the library has offered for years, including non-English digital literacy classes and access to Microsoft certification resources. Patrons also have access to technology-related books and materials, LinkedIn Learning and research assistance through the library.
This fall’s AWS courses are introductory and focus primarily on cloud computing. Offerings include Intro to the Cloud, Job Roles in the Cloud, Build a Cloud Career and Demystifying AI. A resume review and career networking event at the Central Library will also connect participants with AWS trainers and WorkSource career coaches.
Classes will be offered at the Lake City and Capitol Hill branches and online, with the resume event taking place at the Central Library.
“The Amazon Web Services (AWS) classes offered this fall through the library are introductory courses,” Darnell explained. “They primarily cover skills in cloud computing, with one course in AI – ‘Demystifying AI.’ We are also offering an extremely useful class in resume building through AWS.”
SPL plans to bring back more extensive certification-track programming in the future.
“As noted, the Amazon Web Services classes offered this fall are introductory courses, not certification-level courses,” Darnell clarified. “Last year the Library offered several AWS programs that were multi-session classes that led to industry-recognized certifications in Cloud Computing and AI Practitioner. These programs were popular and we hope to offer them again in the future. The introductory classes are a good way for students to get a taste of AWS classes and decide if they’d like to pursue certification pathways.”
The library’s technology education efforts extend beyond career training. SPL is also offering programs designed to help residents understand artificial intelligence, including sessions focused on privacy, data use, safety and the potential risks and benefits of AI.
Darnell said that distinction is important because the library’s role is not simply to teach people how to use emerging technology, but also to give them information they can use to make their own decisions about it.
“In a functional democracy, it’s crucial that community members have supported and resourced opportunities to explore the elements of AI in order to form their own opinions, build skillsets as desired, and be a part of shaping the dialogue and direction that AI takes in our city and in our world,” Darnell added. “Our AI education classes have a focus on the risks and benefits of AI, and how to protect yourself. In 2027, we are planning AI education classes that have an even stronger focus on where AI is going, and how students can participate in the greater civic dialogue around the future of AI.”
The library also continues to emphasize human interaction in some of its existing services. Its Ask Us reference chat and Your Next Five personalized book recommendation service are operated by librarians rather than automated AI systems.
For Darnell, offering emerging-technology education is an extension of the library’s broader role in making information and learning opportunities available to the public.
“A key component of the library’s mission is bringing people, information and ideas together,” Darnell said. “Offering education and skills classes in AI and other emerging technologies at the library is one of the many ways we can provide access to the kind of knowledge our communities deserve.”
Fall classes begin in October. Registration, dates and additional program information are available at spl.org/Calendar. The library’s Ask Us service can also be reached at 206-386-4636.
