Library now has income tax forms and Northstar Digital Learning

Just in at the library to give away are 1040 and 1040 SR income tax forms, and instruction booklets for them.

Also new is an online program to learn about technology. Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:

· Essential Computer Skills - Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS,

· Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs,

· Using Technology in Daily Life - Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. Northstar allows users to freely take the assessments from anywhere via its homepage, but individuals can instead go to an approved testing location and obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate when they pass assessments. Certificates provide an important credential for employment, as even entry-level jobs increasingly require basic computer skills. Certificates also certify the user’s ability to complete computer skills needed in higher education, and demonstrate their ability to use social media and online information thoughtfully.

If individuals do not pass, personalized assessment results provide self-directed instruction and practice, allowing them to retake the assessment once they have mastered the necessary skills. Individual instruction may be available with the help of 4-H technology student instructors by appointment.

For more information about Northstar, go to or contact the library at 360-795-3254 from 2-5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.