“So many people come up to me at the reference desk and say, ‘I’m computer illiterate; can you help me with x-y-z,’” said Catherine Barnett, program coordinator at Chillicothe Public Library. “Our hope is that through these workshops, participants can gain the confidence and skills to complete digital tasks that arise in daily life and work, like writing a document, sending an email, or searching the internet.”

   

Chillicothe Public Library plans to use their funding to reach as many local households as possible with information about the workshops, including those who might not use the library on a regular basis. Funds will also go towards purchasing equipment and providing participants with workshop-related swag and light snacks. The goal is to attract anyone who is new to computers or would like to build confidence in the featured topics, and to create a welcoming and comfortable learning environment.

   

“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 more 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 percent of public libraries provide some form of digital literacy support, but only 42 percent 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. Chillicothe Public Library will help patrons utilize these resources in upcoming workshops that will be conducted at the library this fall and winter. Starting in October, the workshops will cover the basics of computer navigation, the internet, email, and cybersecurity. Class sizes are limited, and registration is required. Registration and more information are at www.chillipld.org or 309-274-2719.

   

About Chillicothe Public Library District Chillicothe Public Library District enriches lives, builds community, and encourages success by bringing people, information, and ideas together. The library is located at 430 N. Bradley Ave., Chillicothe, IL.

   

About the Public Library Association 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 [email protected].

   

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities. and improving lives. As part of our companywide $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.