Critical AI Programming in Libraries – Q&A with Hannah Cyrus

Hannah Cyrus, Digital Media Librarian at Bangor Public Library in Maine, will give a brief presentation about the creation and implementation of her popular “Avoiding AI” programs, which teach patrons what generative AI is, how it works, what the major concerns are with it, and how to disable AI functions on different devices and platforms.

After sharing information about the ethos and logistics of running critical AI programs, such as having Management on board, Hannah will take questions from attendees, both submitted in advance and asked live, and host a discussion among participants about issues related to critical AI literacy in libraries of all sizes and types.

Consider viewing Hannah’s free webinars from Niche Academy in advance including “Refusal as Instruction: Breaking Up with Big Tech” and “Refusal as Instruction: Talking to Patrons about AI” (available September 30th) or reading her article from Information Technology and Libraries, “Refusal as Instruction.”

Presenter: Hannah Cyrus (she/her) is a reference librarian with a focus on technology instruction and digital privacy. Her work often centers around patrons concerned about their accounts or devices being compromised, overwhelmed with junk email and spam phone calls, and concerned by the ubiquitous creepiness of online surveillance capitalism. She is a member of the Library Freedom Project, and recipient of the 2026 Jim Campbell Intellectual Freedom Award from the Maine Library Association.