CLARKSTON — Asotin County Library is among 215 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) this year to conduct 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 8 topics designed to help patrons build skills and confidence using technology.
Asotin County Library’s efforts will focus on targeted outreach and training for veterans and senior citizens, but anyone is encouraged to attend a workshop. The training and resources the Library plans to provide will aim to help individuals access online information easily and safely.
“We are excited to be able to offer several cybersecurity and internet workshops at Asotin County
Library, but also at community centers like the Valley Community & Senior Center and Veterans Outreach Center. We have two very talented digital navigators on staff who help people with their devices and navigating the web. This grant will allow us to offer dedicated workshops to meet the needs of several people at one time,” said Erin Kolb, adult services librarian.
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 and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) courses, which are freely available in English and Spanish through AT&T ScreenReady and PLA’s DigitalLearn.org. Asotin County Library will help patrons utilize these resources in upcoming workshops that will be conducted in-person at various locations in Asotin County. Workshops currently scheduled:
Cybersecurity Basics
- 1:00pm on Wednesday, September 13 at Veterans Outreach Center, 829 15th St, Clarkston
- 10:00am on Thursday, September 14 at Valley Community & Senior Center, 549 5th St, Clarkston
- 5:30pm on Monday, September 18 at Asotin County Library, 417 Sycamore St, Clarkston
Internet Basics
- 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 11 at Veterans Outreach Center, 829 15th St, Clarkston
- 10:00am on Thursday, October 12 at Valley Community & Senior Center, 549 5th St, Clarkston
- 5:30pm on Monday, October 16 at Asotin County Library, 417 Sycamore St, Clarkston
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.
