=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! 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 2021-22 fiscal year, library staff held over 650 one-on-one appointments with adult patrons,” said head of adult services Lesley Cyrier. “In many cases, patrons were coming to the library seeking computer training or help finding a new job. We applied for the 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.
Technology Made Simple! Schedule
(All classes held in the library’s Adult Program Room)
• Computer Basics (Windows)
Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 2-3 p.m.
• Tablet Basics
iPad: Thursday, Nov. 3 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Android: Thursday, Nov. 10 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Internet Basics
Monday, Nov. 7 from 1-2 p.m.
• Resume Basics
Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 10-11 a.m.
• Email Basics
Monday, Nov. 14 from 2-3 p.m.
• Cybersecurity Basics
Monday, Nov. 21 from 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 2-3 p.m.
• Video Conferencing Basics
Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 10-11 a.m.
More hotspots, new laptops
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 do not have internet access at home,” said head of community engagement Gaby Tafolla. “Our goal is to make sure the community has access to the technology and training they need.
“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.”
To learn more about the Technology Made Simple! series and sign up for workshops, visit addisonlibrary.org/Tech-Simple.
The Addison Public Library is located at 4 Friendship Plaza and can be reached at 630-543-3617 or at addisonlibrary.org.
About the program:
Supported by AT&T, the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive provides support to public libraries, allowing them 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,” said PLA president Maria McCauley. “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. AT&T’s investment with PLA and public libraries nationwide will boost access to digital literacy skills for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
