Keene Memorial Library is among more than 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using Digitallearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.
The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will utilize DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady.
Keene’s efforts will focus on assisting senior citizens and Spanish-speaking individuals with developing their digital literacy skills. The courses will cover the most requested topics, including Computer Basics, Internet Basics, and Email Basics. Funds will provide incentives for attendance at the three-course series including flash drives to save projects on, the option of transportation via the Fremont Transit Program, and several Chromebooks as prizes.
“We’re thrilled to be one of two libraries in Nebraska selected for this grant program. Our patrons have been asking for basic computer classes for a long time. This opportunity allows us to really use the expanded computer classroom in the ‘new’ library for its intended purpose – educating and assisting the community with their digital learning needs,” Keene Library Director Laura England-Biggs said.
The other Nebraska selection was Lincoln City Libraries.
PLA’s free training site, Digitallearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology. Keene Memorial Library will help patrons utilize these resources in an upcoming workshop series that will be conducted in person at the Library beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 15. For more details, contact Keene Memorial Library at 402-727-2694 and ask for Dan.
