AT&T and Public Library Association Offer Free Digital Literacy Training at Loveland Public Library 

Laptops Given to Local Participants Courtesy of AT&T and Human-I-T 

LOVELAND, Colorado, October 7, 2023

For more information about the event on Saturday, 10/7, visit the event listing.

What’s the news?

As part of AT&T’s* support for improving digital literacy nationwide, the company is helping Public Library Association (PLA) bring free bilingual, in-person digital literacy workshops to more than 200 libraries across 45 states, including in Loveland, Colorado.

In addition, 50 laptops will be given to Loveland area residents, funded by an AT&T contribution to Human-I-T. The workshops and computers are part of AT&T’s commitment to address the digital divide through investments in internet accessibility, affordability and the safe use of technology.

The workshops will utilize online digital literacy courses available through AT&T ScreenReady® and PLA Digital Learn. Created in collaboration with PLA, the courses teach skills ranging from technology basics to avoiding scams.

Why is this important?

Nearly 130,000 K-12 students in Colorado don’t have digital basics at home, including  access to the internet, computers or skills needed to benefit from the online world, an issue known as the digital divide. In Larimer County alone, 2,027 K-12 students do not have access.

Workshops, available in English and Spanish, will be offered on eight digital literacy topics, as well as how to apply and use the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit. Courses cover basic technology skills which include topics such as internet use, video conferencing, cybersecurity, and mobile device basics and ACP basics.

These efforts are part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, our companywide commitment to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. 

The workshop at Loveland Public Library is part of an expanded national initiative and collaboration between PLA and AT&T. In 2022, 160 libraries were selected to be part of the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T. The initial group of libraries held more than 1,500 workshops which helped over 8,000 learners build skills and confidence using technology. The extended partnership will increase the number of learners libraries can continue to reach.

What People Are Saying

“Everyone deserves the power to use technology with confidence,” said Guillermo Lambarri, Director of External Affairs - AT&T Colorado. “Our collaboration with PLA will help people of all ages gain the knowledge and tools necessary to harness the digital world’s extraordinary potential. Now more than ever it is critical to ensure the right resources are getting into the right hands and we are honored to play a role in Larimer County.”

“Our nation’s public libraries serve as powerful partners in advancing digital equity and lifelong learning for all,” said PLA Past President Maria McCauley. “PLA is excited to team up with AT&T to enhance and expand our digital literacy resources to reach new families and communities through AT&T, their Connected Learning Centers, and local organizations.” Amy Phillips, Loveland Public Library Director explained that the library classes created using DigitalLearn.org content “provided the building blocks for our digital services to Loveland’s Spanish-speakers. I am thrilled to see how this support from the Public Library Association has led to such a successful offering for our community”. Library involvement in technology education is key, according to Loveland Public Library Technology Manager Erik Rock. “On a daily basis, libraries see just how paramount digital skills are to participating fully in today’s society,” he explains. “Our role as a library is to provide the support and supplemental education for digital literacy that community members otherwise would not be able to access.” Cinthia Avila, Bilingual Technology Instructor at Loveland Public Library, details her personal experience with the impact of digital literacy learning. “During my upbringing, I had first-hand experience, highlighting the crucial role that libraries play in providing access and education to digital literacy,” she states. “I appreciate PLA and Digital Learn for keeping underrepresented and marginalized groups in mind, by supporting the importance of digital literacy in every community.”

Public libraries play a vital role in providing access to the internet, devices, and digital content, and knowledgeable staff to all — particularly to people of color and youth in low-income households. In 2019, nearly 54 million Americans accessed the internet in public places, and public libraries alone hosted nearly 224 million public internet use sessions.

To learn more, visit att.com/connectedlearning.

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our company wide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

About 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 10,000 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 pla@ala.org.

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¹ Source: U.S. Department of Education

² Source: Common Sense Media