Walnut Public Library District is among over 160 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to conduct digital literacy workshops using www.digitallearn.org resources. 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 library plans to utilize funds by purchasing additional computers and necessary accessories for patron and workshop use. Participants will receive attendance incentives for participating in the scheduled workshops and completing a quick post workshop survey.
“I am excited for our library to offer the Digital Workshop Incentive Series to the community.” “The incentive will assist our library in addressing the digital divide and providing adequate resources for our community members to develop new skills,” said Director Jaclyn Trujillo.
“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. “A 2020 PLA survey found that about 88% of public libraries provide some form of digital literacy support, but only 42% offer formal classes. Staffing and funding were the top barriers to providing technology training. AT&T’s investment with PLA and public libraries nationwide will boost access to digital literacy skills for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
PLA’s free training site, Digitallearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology. Walnut Public Library will help patrons utilize these resources in upcoming workshops that will be conducted in person at Walnut Public Library in November. More details will be announced this fall.
Walnut Public Library District is a small library that serves Walnut Township, the Village of Walnut, and neighboring rural townships. According to the 2020 census, Walnut Township, which includes the Village of Walnut, has a population of 1,597 people. The library staff currently assists patrons on an individual basis with computer questions and tutorials. The Digital Learn Workshops are broken down in an easy to use friendly format that will allow patrons of all ages and skill levels the ability to attend and gain additional skills and resources.
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our company wide $2 billion commitment from 2021-2023 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions. We aim to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed more than $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
