Ocean County Library among More than 100 Public Libraries Selected by PLA to Boost Digital Literacy

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is among over 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using DigitalLearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.

The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will utilize DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady.

The Ocean County Library plans to use the funds to provide tech education programs at several of its branches:

• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 5 at the Toms River Branch
• “Internet Basics” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at the Little Egg Harbor Branch
• “Email Basics” at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Lakewood Branch
• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Toms River Branch
• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Toms River Branch
• “Internet Basics” at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Lacey Branch
• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. Thursday May 15 at the Toms River Branch
• “Email Basics” at 10 a.m. Monday, May 19 at the Little Egg Harbor Branch
• “Internet Basics” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 at the Lakewood Branch
• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at the Toms River Branch
• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 23 at the Toms River Branch
• “Cybersecurity Basics” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at the Manchester Branch
• “Internet Basics” at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29 at the Manchester Branch
• “Email Basics” at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 29 at the Manchester Branch

Registration is required for these free programs. To register, visit tinyurl.com/PLAGrantOCL or call or visit your local Ocean County Library branch.

PLA President Michael Lambert said, “PLA is proud to support public libraries in being at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in their communities. With another year of PLA’s sustained collaboration with AT&T, more learners from across the nation than ever before will get connected to vital literacy skills and technology resources at the library.” PLA’s free training site, DigitalLearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology.

The Ocean County Library connects people, builds community, and transforms lives through the power of information and the power of stories. We are essential today more than ever. Public libraries support lifelong learning, sustainable communities, and economic development. The library services as a portal of knowledge and strengthens civic involvement. It increasingly provides content that is digital in nature, as well as supporting our residents’ desire for personal growth.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.