Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library (MFRL) is among 215 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) this year to conduct free digital literacy workshops using new Digitallearn.org resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct workshops using DigitalLearn training materials on up to eight topics designed to help patrons build skills and confidence using technology.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 15% of adults lack digital skills. Even those familiar with some aspects of technology find that they may need assistance to use specific tools when seeking employment, education, or participating in their children’s education.
MFRL Director Karim Khan emphasized the importance of proactive skill-building, saying, “Many individuals only realize they require help with technology when faced with an immediate need, such as using email, videoconferencing, or conducting online research. Building these skills upfront can make a big difference.”
PLA Past President Maria McCauley remarked, “Public libraries continuously play a vital role in providing digital literacy tools and information to their communities. The expansion of this powerful collaboration with AT&T for the second year will ensure that even more families and communities can benefit from programs and resources that increase digital access and equity”.
PLA collaborated with AT&T to develop the digital literacy courses, which are freely AT&T ScreenReady and PLA’s DigitalLearn.org. Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library and Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley (LVNRV) will help patrons utilize these resources in an upcoming workshop series that will be conducted in-person at Literacy Volunteers office on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in the coming weeks.
Remaining workshops include:
Introduction to Email – Wednesday, Oct. 18
Accounts and Passwords – Wednesday, Oct. 25
Internet Privacy – Wednesday, Nov. 8
Online Fraud and Scams – Wednesday, Nov. 15
Connecting with Others Online – Wednesday, Nov. 29
The workshops will be held at the Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley office, 195 W Main St, Christiansburg. Registration is required. Please call (540) 382-7262 to register.
Submitted by the MFRL