Too many fingers? That used to be the giveaway.

Not that long ago, you could spot an AI-generated photo in about two seconds.

All you had to do was look at the hands.
Too many fingers. Not enough fingers. Bent in ways that made no sense. Occasionally… an extra limb just for fun.

It was obvious.

Although, many days I do wish for three to four arms during story hour… hasn’t happened yet…

But here’s the thing: spotting Artificial Intelligence is not so obvious anymore.

The technology has gotten a lot better – a lot faster than most of us expected.

And whether we’ve realized it or not, AI is already showing up EVERYWHERE in our everyday lives—from how we search online and what shows up first, to the shows Netflix thinks we’ll like, the routes GPS sends us on, the emails that magically skip your inbox, the voice assistants we talk to, and even how businesses answer questions, create content, and keep things running behind the scenes.

Is that AI, Fred?!

You mean my extra fingers, Louise?

So the question isn’t just, “Can I spot it?”

It’s: Do I understand it? And do I know how to use it when I want to?

That’s exactly why we’re hosting a AI 101 classes.

We’ve invited local tech expert, Adam Gurski, to lead two sessions designed to help our community feel more comfortable, more informed, and more confident with AI—no matter your starting point.

Don’t worry, their grandkids have already made them all appointments with their rheumatologists.

Both the classes will take place on Wednesday, May 6.

Morning Session — AI for Seniors (10:00 AM)
The first of the classes is aimed towards senior citizens. If you’ve been curious about AI, or even fearful of it, this is a great place to start.

You’ll learn:

what AI actually is (in plain, everyday language)
where it’s already showing up in your life
simple ways it can be helpful or harmful

Adam structures his class with some teaching, but also plenty of time for Questions and Answers. Come curious and come to learn!

I can barely keep my ten fingers on the home row as it is…

Our second session on Wednesday, May 6 will be entirely for business men and women. Professionals.

Evening Session — AI for the Workforce & Business Owners (7:00 PM)
If you’re working, running a business, or just trying to keep up with how things are changing, this session is for you.

We’ll focus on:

practical tools you can use right away
ways to save time and simplify your work
how AI is already shaping small businesses

About Adam
Adam Gurski is based right here in central Illinois and spends his time helping local businesses and communities make sense of today’s technology. He’s taught workshops for the Petersburg Chamber and local schools, and he has a way of explaining things that just makes sense.

Come with your questions but only bring two hands max, please.

Whether you’re curious, cautious, confused, or somewhere in between, May 5 is a chance to learn without feeling behind.

And who knows—you might even leave knowing what to do with all those extra fingers.

And if none of that fits your fancy...

We always have books.

Come to the library during our open hours and check out some books.

- Ginger Newingham
Library Director

This is the ONLY photo in this email that wasn’t AI generated. Normal kids with a normal amount of fingers and hands. Our homeschool kiddos panned for gold when they learned about the California Gold Rush a few weeks ago.

https://www.athens.lib.il.us