Webster Parish libraries chosen for free workshops

By Paige Nash

The American Library Association – Public Library Association (ALA-PLA) has partnered with AT&T to provide free digital literacy workshops to 215 libraries across 45 states. Webster Parish Libraries was among the hundreds chosen and will be providing a wide range of digital classes in person at both the Minden and Springhill branches beginning next month.

“We are excited to offer these digital literacy workshops in Webster Parish,” said Webster Parish Libraries Director Savannah Brown. “To truly thrive, it’s important that we as a library system provide digital literacy resources that teach the skills that all ages need to succeed in a technology driven world. Together with the Public Library Association, we’re proud to offer online courses and free workshops to help learners advance those skills.”

Being digitally literate means having the skills to use technology to find, evaluate, create, organize or communicate information and doing this responsibly.

According to the U.S. Department of Education approximately 16 percent of adults in the country are not digitally literate.

“Advancing these skills is crucial to helping bridge the digital divide. It’s important that students and their families not only have access to the internet and computers, but also have the tools needed to use that technology effectively, safely and responsibly, said Jones.

The workshops will be available through AT&T ScreenReady and PLA Digital Learn. The courses will range from basic computer skills, internet basics, email basics and video conferencing.

Registration is required in person at either the Minden or Springhill library locations or by phone. Space is limited. For every workshop attended a participant’s name will be placed into a drawing to win a MacBook Air – perfect for continued digital literacy learning!

Workshop dates are as follows:

Minden Branch at 11AM