St. Louis County Library Announces Two New Digital Equity Initiatives
St. Louis County Library (SLCL) is excited to announce two new initiatives to help address digital equity in the St. Louis region.
Starting February 28, SLCL will begin offering bookable wi-fi hotspots. Adults with a valid St. Louis County Library can reserve a hotspot for a specific period of time. Bookable hotspots are perfect for accessing the internet while traveling, for online job interviews, exams or when moving to a new home. Bookable hotspots can be reserved up to one year in advance. The devices can be checked out for 21 days. More information is available at www.slcl.org/bookable-hotspots.
Additionally, starting this summer, SLCL will partner with TechSTL to host free Digital Proficiency Pro certifications. TechSTL was one of 10 national recipients of the Verizon Community Enhancement Award to drive Digital Inclusion. Through their new TechLAUNCH program, TechSTL has pledged to equip 10,000 underserved St. Louisans with digital literacy training over the next three years.
Kristen Sorth, St. Louis County Library Director & CEO said, “St. Louis County Library continues to find ways to make digital access more attainable for so many in our community. Digital equity allows everyone a chance to fully participate in society and the economy through reliable access to information, resources, education and entertainment. These two new initiatives address two of the most pressing issues - access to technology and digital literacy. People often turn to the Library for answers and we are happy to announce two new solutions.”
Emily Hemingway, Executive Director of TechSTL said, “Learning a new tech skill can open the door to a higher paying job and expand access to things like digital learning, telehealth, and social connectivity. TechSTL is committed to offering tech education opportunities to all St. Louis residents and the County Library is the perfect partner to pilot this free program. We are eager to get started changing lives and households through tech.”
SLCL has been a leader in addressing the digital divide in our region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SLCL provided thousands of GrandPad devices to help keep older adults connected, and helped support local students by providing Chromebooks, wi-fi hotspots and virtual tutoring services. Currently, the Library provides a variety of options for people who need internet or computer access. All 20 SLCL locations offer free wi-fi and public computers. Computer and technology classes are also available, along with one-on-one assistance from a lab trainer. Additionally, SLCL provides Chromebook & Hotspot kits for check out, which provide everything needed to connect to the internet at home.
Media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer McBride, Assistant Director, Communications at jmcbride@slcl.org or 314-994-3300 ext. 2250.