Library Offering Free Computer and Broadband Training

Statewide program will provide more than 200,000 Ohioans with free computer training and encourage broadband use.

COLUMBUS – Free computer training sessions will be provided at public libraries and community colleges throughout Ohio to introduce new users to a wide range of communication, education, and healthcare tools available online.

Interested adults throughout Ohio are eligible to participate in the program, which is geared toward first-time computer and broadband users.

The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County is a partner in the statewide Every Citizen Online broadband training project.

The program recently received $6.9 million in federal funding, as well as more than $3 million in assistance and contributions from a number of participating entities across the state, to increase the sustainable adoption of broadband services for more than 200,000 state residents.

Classes are scheduled to begin Jan. 18.

The coursework will include three, 2-hour sessions covering computer basics, an introduction to the Internet, and discussions about how broadband can be helpful in daily life.

Participants can register by contacting the library at 330-744-8636.

“So many people either do not have computer access or do not fully appreciate what the Internet can provide that will be helpful in their lives,” said Carlton A. Sears, library director. “We believe it is beneficial to help people become more technologically oriented, to be able to better function in contemporary society. Without this, people can get left behind. What better place than a library for people to learn how to access information. The service is free, which enables everyone to participate.”

“This is an incredibly exciting program for Ohio. Currently, just 66% of Ohio households subscribe to broadband service, leaving more than three million Ohioans on the wrong side of the digital divide,” Connect Ohio Executive Director Tom Fritz said.  “The Every Citizen Online program is an opportunity to close the gap between those who have computer technology at home and those who do not, preparing state residents without high-speed Internet for a technologically-driven society.”

Connect Ohio is a non-profit public-private partnership, whose mission is to see all Ohioans connected to the benefits of high-speed Internet service.  Through the Every Citizen Online program, Connect Ohio is assisting libraries and community colleges with the cost of instructors, computers, and public awareness to provide training to as many as 200,000 new users over the next two years.

Other partners in the program include the State Library of Ohio, The Ohio Association of Broadcasters, The Ohio Public Television Stations, Ohio Public Radio, Groundwork Group, the Ohio Public Library Information Network, and a wide variety of libraries and community colleges across the state. Computer companies, such as Intel and Microsoft, have expressed interest in the project and many broadband service providers across Ohio are working to ensure that participants can easily get online by providing special incentives to first-time broadband subscribers who complete the training.

Connect Ohio’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) matching grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). BTOP provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.

“Basic Computer and Internet Skills” Schedule:

Tues., Jan. 18………… Main Library, ………… 7-9 PM …………………… Class #1

Wed., Jan. 19………… Main Library………….. 9:30-11:30 AM………… Class #1

Wed., Jan. 19………… Main Library………….. 12-2 PM………………….. Class #1

Thurs., Jan. 20………. Newport Library…….. 2:30-4:30 PM…………… Class #1

Thurs., Jan. 20………. Newport Library…….. 5-7 PM……………………. Class #1

Wed., Jan. 26………… Main Library………….. 9:30-11:30 AM………… Class #1

Wed., Jan. 26………… Main Library………….. 12-2 PM………………….. Class #2

Thurs., Jan. 27………. Newport Library…….. 2:30-4:30 PM…………… Class #1

Thurs., Jan. 27………. Newport Library…….. 5-7 PM……………………. Class #2

Sat., Jan. 29………….. Newport Library…….. 10:30 AM-12:30 PM… Class #1

Sat., Jan. 29………….. Newport Library…….. 1-3 PM……………………. Class #2

For information or to sign up, call Main Library at 330-744-8636.