The Addison Public Library is one of 160 public libraries nationwide that received funding from the Public Library Association (PLA) as part of the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive that is supported by AT&T. With this funding, the library will purchase additional technology that patrons can borrow and will host a special bilingual series of workshops to help community members improve their technology skills.
The new Technology Made Simple! / Tecnología, ¡simplificada! workshop series will be offered in both English and Spanish and will cover essential digital skills like using a computer or tablet, accessing email, and using the internet safely. The series also includes sessions on formatting a resume to apply for jobs.
“During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, library staff held over 650 one-on-one appointments with adult patrons. In many cases, patrons were coming to the library seeking computer training or help finding a new job” said Head of Adult Services Lesley Cyrier. “We applied for [PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive] funding so that we could increase our offerings for our patrons who want more guidance and practice using technology. We are thrilled to have been awarded funding so we can do just that.”
Workshops will be held in-person at the library and refreshments will be available for each session. Patrons can attend the entire series of workshops or select workshops that are most relevant to them. View the full schedule of events here.
In addition to the workshops, the funding from PLA will allow the library to add more hotspots to the collection as well as three laptops that the library plans to use for future pop-up computer labs in the community.
“We know from the latest Census that nearly 20% of Addison households don’t have internet access at home. Our goal is to make sure the community has access to the technology and training they need,” said Head of Community Engagement Gaby Tafolla. “With this funding, we can add more hotspots to the collection to help more patrons get internet access and meet patrons where they are to teach them technology skills.”
About the incentive:
The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct digital literacy training in their communities and help close the digital divide.
“The mission of libraries has always been about equitable access to information, literacy, learning, and culture. In the age of COVID-19, this mission has only become vital as libraries have played a critical role in keeping communities connected and online," said PLA President Maria McCauley. “AT&T's investment with PLA and public libraries nationwide will boost access to digital literacy skills for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Learn more at ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy/incentive.