Connecticut State Library Announces Grant to East Hartford Public Library as part of the Digital Navigation Pilot Project Supported by American Rescue Plan Act Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
East Hartford, CT – The Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development (DLD) awarded $394,600 to 4 Connecticut public libraries for digital navigation pilot projects via direct grants. The funding was provided as part of $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to Connecticut by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
East Hartford Public Library was awarded a grant in the amount of $100,000 to carry out an 11-month effort to help residents lacking good internet connections and computers get high speed broadband, become a computer owner, and be ready to use both to fulfill their needs. At East Hartford Public Library, the funds will go towards supporting digital navigators who will mentor residents and devices that suit the resident’s goals, as well as the technical and digital literacy skills training needed.
“Thanks to this generous $100,000 grant, the library can expand its already robust lineup of programs to assist residents with access to the digital world,” said Mayor Marcia Leclerc. “Digital navigation brings our services to a new level, building capacity for parents and caregivers while helping to close the homework gap.”
East Hartford Public Library will be implementing a pilot project in collaboration with the East Hartford Public Schools. The program will be open to all residents, but will focus recruitment on parents and caregivers or school-aged children enrolled in the East Hartford Public Schools as well as students enrolled in the EHPS adult education program. Digital navigators will provide adults with the tools necessary to support their children with schoolwork, as well as to meet their own needs.
“Knowledgeable library guidance, broadband connection and a device, and enhanced digital resources are all necessary for equitable access to healthcare, benefits, job opportunities and workforce development, education, and achieving any goal someone puts forth. Always, and especially now,” said Dawn La Valle, Director of the CT State Library Division of Library Development. “Providing digital inclusion support and tools through our libraries, whether it be a digital navigator, a laptop, internet connectivity, or a new database, strengthen what library staff have at their fingertips to freely meet their community’s needs. Investing in our libraries is directly investing in our local communities.”
“Need is great in East Hartford. We believe that our 2Gen approach to digital inclusion—reaching caregivers and their children with devices, connectivity and training—will serve as a model to other communities in digital distress,” said Sarah Kline Morgan, library director.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The mission of IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Visit imls.gov.
About the Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development
The Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development (DLD) provides leadership, funding, education, and statewide services that enhance a local library's ability to deliver high-quality library service to their community. Visit us: CT State Library DLD Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
About the Connecticut State Library
The Connecticut State Library is an Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. The State Library provides a variety of library information, archival, public records, museum, and administrative services to citizens of Connecticut, as well as the employees and officials of all three branches of State government. The Connecticut State Archives and the Museum of Connecticut History are components of the State Library as is the Division of Library Development. Visit the CT State Library at CT State Library | Museum of Connecticut History | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Flickr
About East Hartford Public Library
A department of the Town of East Hartford, the East Hartford Public Library provides residents with opportunities to pursue life-long learning and literacy, to connect with their community, and to share information and ideas freely. Visit us: East Hartford Public Library | Facebook