Editor’s Note: Ever wonder what’s the story behind that person you see picking up roadside garbage in Old Lyme? Or what’s the deal with that usher at the Garde Arts Center in New London who takes your tickets with a giant smile? The Day is launching a Get to Know Your Neighbors series, where for the next week you will learn about the people in your community who make a big difference but often go unnoticed.

New London ― On any given day inside the Public Library of New London, Meghan Soucier could be helping a patron use a computer mouse, activate a new smartphone or fill out a job resume.

The Plainfield resident was hired 14 months ago as the facility’s digital navigator, a position created in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to address the needs of patrons struggling with technology and an uncertain economy.

“Some people might need to learn how to do a basic search of the internet or how to download an app,” said Soucier, 34. “Or it could be a grandparent wanting to use an iPad to keep in contact with their grandkids.”

Quite a few of Soucier’s appointments or drop-in meetings involve job search questions, from how to properly fill out and forward a job application to trimming a resume down to a manageable length.

On one occasion, Soucier used a language translation program to answer job search questions posed by a Haitian-Creole speaker.

“I have retired workers, elderly folks and younger people coming in with employment questions, some who might have a hard time just pulling up the right website,” she said.

Soucier, who graduated from California’s San Jose State University after studying library science, said she “jumped” at the chance when the navigator position was advertised.

“I like the idea of being there for people that need me, especially when it comes to helping the elderly meet their tech goals,” she said. “That might be helping someone re-set their computer password after a hacking attack or activating a Lyft card.”

Library Director Madhu Gupta said when she was applying for an American Rescue Plan Act grant that would later fund Soucier’s job, one of the application questions asked how the money would help change lives.

“That made me think of all the people out of work because of COVID, how we could help them and how their lives might change if they got a job,” Gupta said. “At the same time, we were seeing so many people come in asking for help on things like social media and other technology-related issues.”

Gupta, who noted New London is one of the few libraries employing a digital navigator, said Soucier possesses two key attributes essential for the job: tech-savviness and patience.

“She’s passionate and polite, and we’re so lucky to have her here full time,” Gupta said.

Soucier said nothing makes her happier than being known as the go-to library employee for patrons with technology questions.

“I want to still be working in the library 30 years from now. This is where I want to be for the rest of my life,” she said.

j.penney@theday.com