Laureldale, PA –Muhlenberg Community Library is updating its digital technology services thanks to a PA Department of Education Educational Access Programs Grant for $17, 500+. Searching for funds to acquire the much-needed technology upgrades for its public-use computers, the library approached Senator Judy Schwank’s office for assistance. Senator Schwank’s office recommended the PA Dept. of Ed. grant and also helped to facilitate the library’s application.
The grant provided money for the purchase of 13 laptops and 2 bilingual AWE Learning Early Literacy Stations™, child-safe computers for children ages 2-8. The grant also paid for 1 AWE AfterSchool Edge™, a child-safe computer for students 6-12 years old. The new computers will allow the library to improve children’s basic literacy; increase community access to free computers and the internet; provide ways to assist local job seekers; and strengthen the community’s technological literacy. Through the end of the year, the library will be offering a total of 15 computer classes aimed at 3 different demographics—beginner computer users, resume and job search users, and teens interested in coding.
The inaugural date for the classes is August 8th when the first of the basic skills classes is set to begin. The class will include Internet searching, printing and more. The teen coding class series for 7th through 12th graders interested in a variety of coding languages begins in August, also. Resume creating and job search classes will begin in September. Specific dates and times for the classes are posted on the library’s website and Facebook page.
The library is excited to be a center of Information Literacy for seniors, adults and teens in Muhlenberg Township. Information Literacy is one of the five literacies deemed essential for Pennsylvanians by the Pennsylvania Library Association that states, “Libraries can help all Pennsylvanians learn how to use online resources and current technology to improve their education, to enhance their job skills, to develop their personal lives, and to fully participate in a digital society.”
