Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) has received a $17,353 grant to support JCPL’s Digital U – an innovative program designed to expand technology outreach to Jefferson County residents. JCPL is partnering with the Senior Resource Center, Bridges to Opportunity, and Metro West Housing Solutions to create a mobile fleet of laptop computers and devices that can be transported to convenient locations throughout the county to deliver onsite training in technology.
“More and more Jefferson County residents are coming to the library to access computers and the Internet, and to get help with basic tasks, including filling out tax forms, communicating via email, applying for jobs online, and securing essential services,” said Debby Ridgell, patron education manager. “This grant will help us to address this growing demand, especially for people who can’t get to the Library.”
Funds will be used to:
• Purchase laptops, devices and accessories for JCPL Digital U;
• Develop curricula and handouts for nine new computer classes;
• Train 13 additional library staff and volunteers to deliver computer class instruction;
• Market the expanded service; and
• Establish classes at six library sites and seven community locations throughout the county, beginning in March 2015.
“Our goal is to help all Jeffco residents acquire the skills they need to function and thrive in today’s online and digitized society,” Ridgell continued. “This program will enable us to expand our outreach to seniors, residents from families with low income and/or education, and folks who are unemployed, unfamiliar with technology or otherwise lacking the technical skills to compete in today’s job market.”
This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the Colorado State Library.
About Jefferson County Public Library
Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is the third largest public library in the state of Colorado. Our mission is to meet the changing needs of our communities by providing information and environments that promote personal growth and community transformation. A JCPL library card is the smartest card in your wallet, giving you access to an online library that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, a network of 10 libraries, a Bookmobile, a Traveling Children’s Library, and offsite computer and Internet classes provided throughout the County, as well as books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs, audio and eBooks, and computer and Internet resources. For more information contact your local library or visit jeffcolibrary.org.
About IMLS
“The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.