The PLA announced this week that it would award $1.1 million across U.S. libraries with help from AT&T. Those receiving funds include the following:
- Cross Plains Public Library
- Dallas Public Library
- El Paso Community College
- Harris County Public Library
- Honey Grove Library and Learning Center
- New Braunfels Public Library
- W. Walworth Harrison Public Library (Greenville)
These workshops will center on online digital literacy courses that the PLA has developed in collaboration with AT&T. The subject matter covers foundational digital literacy elements, from the basics of using new technologies to how best to avoid online fraud.
The money going to help sponsor the workshops will be used for expanding lessons, deploying updated course materials and promoting events.
Libraries have long been on the front lines of digital equity work and in many ways are perhaps the original government effort to bridge the digital divide. In many communities they serve as the first point of contact for residents who need help with or access to new technologies.
A recent PLA survey found that roughly 88 percent of libraries in the country provide some form of digital literacy support, with 42 percent providing formal digital skills training classes.
A version of this story first appeared in Government Technology, a sister publication of Industry Insider — Texas.
