New Rochelle Public Library Offering Digital Literacy Training

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 18, 2023) —. The New Rochelle Public Library is among 215 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association 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.

The New Rochelle Public Library will conduct classes in three different areas: Computer Basics, Internet Basics and Cybersecurity. Each class will be offered in English and Spanish, according to the following schedule:

Computer Basics, Tuesday, September 19, 6:00 – 7:30 pm (English); Thursday, September 21, 6:00 -7:30 pm (SPANISH): In this workshop, attendees will learn how to navigate the Windows 10 operating system, manage applications using the task manager, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files and more.

Internet Basics, Tuesday, September 26, 6:00 – 7:30 pm (ENGLISH); Thursday, September 28, 6:00 – 7:30 pm (SPANISH): In this workshop newly connected users will be introduced to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites.

Cybersecurity, Tuesday, October 3, 6:00 – 7:30 pm (ENGLISH); Thursday, October 5, 6:00 -7:30 pm (SPANISH): Learn how to be safer online with accounts/passwords, overview of frauds/scams.

“The partnership between the PLA, AT&T, and our library is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in our community. This grant allows the library to offer guidance and education to individuals so that they can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and competence,” said Elizabeth Joseph, Assistant Director, New Rochelle Public Library

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.