CCPL partners with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, AT&T, and the Public Library Association to support digital literacy
Digital literacy programs will be offered at various library branches during January, February, and March.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is working with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (BBF), AT&T, and the Public Library Association (PLA) to narrow the digital divide in Charleston. Through this partnership, CCPL will offer a variety of free digital literacy courses at several branches throughout the first few months of 2024.

“CCPL has witnessed how digital literacy can enhance lives, and so we are committed to providing ample opportunities for our community to better equip themselves with the tools needed to understand and use technology,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. 

Courses, which will follow the Digital Learn curriculum developed by AT&T and PLA, not only provide digital literacy instruction for patrons and build digital resilience in a landscape of new technologies, but also address digital equity by ensuring everyone has access to the information and technologies that they need. The courses are FREE and attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Course topics include:

January

- Internet Basics – Jan. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Otranto Road Library

- Mobile Device Basics for Android – Jan. 30 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hurd/St. Andrews Library

February

- Working with Apps – Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Otranto Road Library

- Mobile Device Basics for iOS – Feb. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hurd/St. Andrews Library

- Internet Basics – Feb. 29 at 3 p.m. at the Keith Summey North Charleston Library

March

- Basic Concepts of the Internet – March 12 at 5 p.m. at the Keith Summey North Charleston Library (**This course will be taught in Spanish)

The BBF has provided hands-on training to CCPL staff as well as their Digital Literacy Resource Guide to enhance interactions with adult learners as they seek to acquire new digital skills. The resource guide was created for educators, coaches and mentors, and peer reviewed by 16 adult literacy experts and corporate partners. It provides a comprehensive framework for promoting digital literacy skills through the lens of the whole adult learner by encouraging users to view how factors vary, connect, and interact to support wellbeing and lifelong learning in the context of digital literacy.

CCPL is a member of the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition, administered by Tri-County Cradle to Career. Enhancing digital literacy is part of CCPL’s current strategic goals and provides ongoing technical and digital programs and services. 

For more information on these courses, as well as other upcoming CCPL programs and events, visit ccpl.org or contact your local library branch.

About the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy 

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has been the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy for more than three decades. Established by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1989, the Foundation is a public charity dedicated to creating a stronger, more equitable America in which everyone can read, write, and comprehend in order to navigate the world with dignity. To learn more, visit www.BarbaraBush.org.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T?

AT&T is committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of the company-wide $2 billion commitment from 2021–2023 to address the digital divide, they launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions. AT&T aims to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, AT&T has 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.  

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.