FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.– The Cumberland County Public Library received a $4,000 grant on August 15 for digital literacy workshops to close the digital divide within Cumberland County. The library was among over 160 public libraries nationwide awarded funding from the Public Library Association to conduct these workshops.
Workshops will take place at the North Regional Library, 855 McArthur Road. The schedule will be posted on the library’s website cumberlandcountync.gov/lbrary and the library’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, provides support to libraries of all sizes to conduct digital literacy training in their communities and help close the digital divide across America.
Figures from the 2020 U.S. Census indicate that 8.7% of Cumberland County households have no computer, and 14% of households have no internet service.
“So much of what happens in the world is online now, and the library is well positioned to help people get in there and start learning about it,” said Nora Armstrong, Division Manager for Community Engagement.
CCPL staff will use materials from PLA’s free training site, Digitallearn.org, to offer a series of introductory workshops on several digital-literacy topics such as computer basics and consumer-focused cybersecurity.
“This grant allows our Digital Navigators to design a framework for learning opportunities that will benefit people who are new to the digital environment, or who might need a little encouragement and confidence to pick up some new skills,” added Armstrong.
Attendees will receive giveaways such as gift cards, wireless mice and USB flash drives. Those who attend at least three sessions will be entered into a drawing for a tablet.
CCPL serves all county residents in person at its eight locations and through the digital resources on its website, cumberlandcountync.gov/library. The library embraces innovative, traditional and transformational approaches that support, encourage and engage Cumberland County’s diverse community and provides free and equitable access to resources and experiences to all.
For more information about this workshop contact Nora Armstrong, Division Manager for Community Engagement, at narmstrong@cumberlandcountync.gov or (910) 483-7727.
For more information concerning in-person and virtual programs at the library, please visit the library’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov/library or visit them on Facebook and Instagram.