The Chester County Library & District Center is among 50 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) this year to conduct workshops using the new DigitalLearn Affordable Connectivity Program Basics training materials, developed in collaboration with AT&T. The Affordable Connectivity Program, also known as the ACP, from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), helps households get discounted and affordable internet service. The ACP Basics Workshop Incentive enables libraries to conduct information sessions that help households learn how to identify the information they need to apply for the program, how to apply for the program, and how to use the benefit.
The Chester County Library & District Center’s efforts will focus on outreach for low-income senior citizens, job seekers, and other families in need throughout the county. The information sessions will be hybrid – held both at the library, in Exton near the Exton Square Mall, and online via Zoom – to make it easier for those wishing to attend. A member of the FCC will be in attendance and available to answer questions. The current dates and times are as follows:
Monday, October 16, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Tuesday, October 24, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Thursday, November 16, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Register for a session online at bit.ly/ACPbasics or call the CCL Reference Desk to register on the phone at 610-344-5957. Keep an eye out on the link above for further sessions.
PLA Past President Maria McCauley remarked, “Public libraries continuously play a vital role in providing digital literacy tools and information to their communities. The expansion of this powerful collaboration with AT&T will ensure that even more families and communities can benefit from programs and resources like the ACP that increase digital access and equity.”
About the Chester County Library & District Center
The Chester County Library & District Center was established in 1962 and moved to its current location in 1980. Largely supported by the County of Chester, the library serves as the District Center as well as the Chester County Library System headquarters. Although we serve primarily West Whiteland and Uwchlan Township residents, our expansive and comprehensive collection of nearly 328,000 items helps to support the other 16 member libraries in the system.
About the 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, the PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. The 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 the PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or [email protected].
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities. and improving lives. As part of our companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021–2023 to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions. We aim to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed more than $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
