FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Public Library received $1,500 in grant funds from the Public Library Association this year to conduct workshops using the new DigitalLearn Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Basics training materials, developed in collaboration with AT&T.
The CCPL is among 50 public libraries nationwide to be awarded this funding. Library staff members will use the funds to present workshops at several of the library’s eight locations and promote the program in local media.
The Public Library Association Affordable Connectivity Program Basics Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T, enables libraries to conduct the workshops that help families and households learn about the ACP.
The ACP, from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps families and households with affordable internet service. In collaboration with AT&T, the PLA developed the ACP Basics digital course and workshop materials to help 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.
According to 2021 U.S. Census figures, 13% of Cumberland County households are without a broadband connection, and estimates are that most of those households qualify for the ACP.
“Connectivity to reliable, affordable internet is critical for access to many services and information,” said Library Director Faith Phillips. “We are excited to continue to bridge the digital divide in our community.”
The Affordable Connectivity Program Basics course and more digital literacy resources are freely available in English and Spanish through AT&T ScreenReady and PLA’s DigitalLearn.org. Digital Navigators at CCPL will help attendees use these resources in several upcoming workshops. Dates and locations for the workshops will be announced in September.
The Public Library Association was founded in 1944 and is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals.
AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning as part of a companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021 – 2023 to address the digital divide. AT&T Connected Learning invests in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions.
For more information about the Cumberland County Library, visit the website at cumberlandcountync.gov/library and follow them on social media.