A library classroom in South Philadelphia, decorated with a rug reminding visitors that M is for "moon" and Z is for "zebra," recently hosted an unusual gathering for adults: a workshop called Avoiding AI. The 20-odd attendees weren't there to learn the alphabet—they came to disable Apple Intelligence and Gemini on their phones. Main Developments Charlie Bailey, the librarian leading the session, asked everyone to pull out their devices. He then walked them through the steps of turning off the AI features embedded in their smartphones. "Everybody's on their phone at my program!" Bailey joked. Background The workshop reflects growing frustration with Big Tech's push to integrate artificial intelligence into everyday tools. Similar avoidance efforts have emerged as users seek more control over their digital experiences. Read also: ServiceNow Invests $40M in Indian Banking AI Firm BusinessNext Why It Matters As AI becomes ubiquitous in consumer devices, workshops like these highlight a demand for practical knowledge about opting out. For many, disabling AI is not about rejecting technology but reclaiming agency over how it operates in their lives. What's Next Bailey's program suggests libraries may increasingly serve as hubs for digital literacy around AI. The success of this session could inspire similar workshops in other communities.