EXTON — 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 (ACP) Basics training materials, developed in collaboration with AT&T. The PLA ACP Basics Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, enables libraries to conduct workshops that help families and households learn about ACP and how to apply for the benefit.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, also known as the ACP, from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps families and households with affordable internet service. In collaboration with AT&T, PLA developed the ACP Basics digital course and workshop materials to help provide families and households 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 targeted outreach and training for low-income senior citizens and job seekers. The training and resources that the Chester County Library & District Center plans to provide will aim to help senior citizens and job seekers access affordable internet service and online job applications and stay connected with their family and friends.
PLA Past President Maria McCauley remarked, “Public libraries continuously play a vital role in providing digital literacy tools and information to their communities. Expanding this powerful collaboration with AT&T will ensure that even more families and communities can benefit from programs and resources like ACP that increase digital access and equity”.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Basics course and more digital literacy resources are freely available in English and Spanish through AT&T ScreenReady and PLA’s DigitalLearn.org. The Chester County Library & District Center will help patrons utilize these resources in upcoming workshops that will be conducted at the library. More details will be announced this fall on the library’s event calendar.
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, 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. 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 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, 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.
