Public libraries in the United States are drawing attention with a new kind of tech workshop: sessions designed to help people turn off AI features they did not choose. In South Philadelphia, librarian Charlie Bailey led an "Avoiding AI" class where attendees learned how to disable tools such as Apple Intelligence and Gemini on common devices.
The workshop blends practical guidance with digital literacy. Bailey first explains how consumer AI tools work, why some people use them, and why others prefer not to. He then shows step-by-step settings changes on popular platforms, giving participants a clearer sense of control over their devices.
The idea gained momentum after Hannah Cyrus, a librarian at Bangor Public Library in Maine, developed a similar program and shared her approach in an academic journal. Her sessions quickly attracted interest from librarians in other places, including Bailey, who adapted the format for his own community.
Cyrus said many visitors were asking how to stop AI from drafting emails, summarizing messages, or appearing across everyday apps. That demand helped turn the workshop into a well-attended event, with both in-person and livestream participation. Bailey's Philadelphia program saw similar enthusiasm, prompting a second session after registrations filled quickly.
For both librarians, the appeal goes beyond settings menus. They see the workshops as a way to strengthen digital autonomy and help people make informed choices about emerging technology. The conversations also show that many users are not rejecting innovation itself, but asking for more transparency and flexibility in how it is introduced.
As AI becomes more embedded in daily tools, library-led education may help shape a future where technology is not only smarter, but also more user-directed.
