The Public Library Association (PLA), in partnership with AT&T, has announced a new grant opportunity to support public libraries in providing digital literacy workshops. The application window is now open, and a webinar will be held on May 19 to provide more information to interested libraries. If you cannot attend the live webinar, you’ll be able to find the recording on the PLA Webinars On Demand site within 1-3 business days. The application must be completed online and closes June 10, 2022, at 11:49 p.m. Preview a copy a PDF of the application or begin the application process by creating an account.

Funds awarded through PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive supported by AT&T will provide the support libraries need to conduct digital literacy training in their community and to promote the PLA and AT&T digital literacy courses. Classes can be conducted either in-person or online.

Examples of how incentive funds may be used:

• Hire trainers to conduct the workshops.
• Purchase and distribute materials to promote PLA and AT&T digital literacy resources and library’s digital skills support. Examples include bookmarks, flash drives, flyers, headphones, etc.
• Advertise PLA and AT&T’s digital literacy resources and library’s digital skills support. Examples include Facebook ads, Instagram Ads, Google Ads, newspaper advertisements, billboards, and locally produced promotional videos.
• Purchase non-capital equipment to be used for training (e.g., computer and/or projector to be used for trainings).
• Print handouts, certificates and other learner materials for in-person trainings.
• Translate online course or training materials into languages other than currently available English and Spanish resources.
• Rent a space for training (if needed and not held in a library).
• Purchase project supplies (e.g., paper, post-its, printing, etc.).
• Provide snacks for attendees at in-person trainings.
• Purchase PPE such as masks, hand and equipment sanitizer for in-person trainings.

Along with the grant program, PLA has developed a collection of free online courses and materials for libraries to use as part of their digital literacy training programs. This suite of materials, currently available in English and Spanish, is available at DigitalLearn.org.

Have other digital literacy questions or needs? Contact Cindy Fisher, Digital Inclusion Consultant, at cfisher@tsl.texas.gov of 512-463-4855.