Free Library of Philadelphia Launches Critical AI Literacy Series to Help Residents Opt Out
In partnership with the Library Freedom Project, the city's library system is teaching citizens how to disable unwanted AI features and question the technology's civic impact.
The Free Library of Philadelphia has launched a "Critical AI Literacy" series to help residents navigate the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence. Developed in partnership with the Library Freedom Project, the initiative focuses on the social, environmental, and civic implications of AI rather than simple adoption.
As part of the series, the library hosted a session titled "Avoiding AI: A Hands-on Workshop." The event provided participants with practical skills to identify and disable unwanted AI features embedded within their operating systems and popular applications. The primary goal of the workshop was to empower users to protect their privacy by removing tools they did not explicitly choose to use.
The Push for Digital Agency
This initiative comes as AI is increasingly integrated into smartphones, office software, and search engines, often without explicit user consent. This trend has left many users feeling that the technology is being forced upon them. According to Charlie Bailey, a South Philadelphia librarian, AI has appeared "everywhere all at once" in spaces where people are not actively enabling or turning it on.
This environment has created a growing need for non-commercial guidance. Librarians have noted an increase in patron confusion regarding the authenticity of AI-generated information, positioning the public library as a trusted source for information literacy in an era of synthetic content. For attendees like D’ahna Oakman, the lack of neutral ground is a primary concern, noting a desire for the option to use the technology rather than having it mandated by corporate defaults.
Shifting the Educational Paradigm
The program represents a fundamental shift in AI education, moving away from a focus on productivity and adoption toward "critical literacy." By teaching citizens how to opt out and question the technology, the library is addressing the digital divide and pressing privacy concerns. This approach asserts that human agency, rather than corporate software updates, should dictate how technology is utilized in daily life.
Alison Macrina, founder of the Library Freedom Project, emphasizes that while technology is a part of life, humans are the ones who create it and possess the power to make decisions without it. The program frames the ability to reject AI as a necessary component of modern civic participation.
Future Programming
The library plans to expand this critical framework through several upcoming sessions. These include "A Skeptic’s Guide to AI," "Is This For Real? AI Scams," and "Understanding Local AI Use." These workshops aim to further equip Philadelphia residents with the tools to scrutinize AI's role in their community and protect themselves from emerging digital threats.