WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) was selected to receive a $7,000 grant from the Public Library Association (PLA) to deliver digital literacy workshops as part of an effort to help build critical skills in community members and narrow the digital divide.
WRL reports that it will use PLA’s DigitalLearn training materials for the free workshops funded by the grant. The workshops will run from October through February and will be taught at locations around the community by WRL outreach staff members.
“During the pandemic, WRL conducted a listening session with the community and identified three key areas of need surrounding technology: Wi-Fi access, availability of devices, and digital instruction,” said Library Director Betsy Fowler. “The library is working with community partners to help address these issues.”
Workshops will be split into three sessions each month (to be repeated monthly) that will cover general computer literacy skills like navigating websites, using a mobile device, online safety and privacy, cloud storage, online health information, online job searching and skills, and more. Workshops will be offered in Spanish when requested, and WRL will provide laptops or tablets for use during each session.
“These digital literacy workshops will give adults skills they need to be more successful in the workplace, as citizens, and in their personal lives,” said Outreach Services Director Eletha Davis. “Parents will also be more prepared to help their children navigate an increasingly digital world.”
All workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and located at Abram Frink Jr. Community Center unless otherwise indicated on the webpage. Individuals can see the schedule of classes and register to attend by visiting wrl.org/workshops or by calling 757-741-3324.