Salt Lake City Public Library Receives Grant from Public Library Association to Increase Digital Literacy

• The Salt Lake City Public Library (The City Library) has been awarded $10,000 in funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to aid with Digital Literacy initiatives.
• The City Library is the only Utah library — and is among over 100 public libraries nationwide — to receive funding in 2025.
• With these funds, Library Staff will conduct outreach programs via local community partners.

The Salt Lake City Public Library (The City Library) is the only library in Utah, and is among the 100+ public libraries nationwide, awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to 3$10,000 from a generous overall contribution of $2.7 million from AT&T. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will use DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady.

Through this grant opportunity, City Library staff members will conduct outreach programs via local community partners. These programs will be aligned with The City Library’s ongoing digital equity initiatives, covering core topics specified by DigitalLearn: Internet Basics, Video Conferencing Basics, Cybersecurity Basics, and Mobile Device Basics (Android and iOS). The Library’s partners for this program are the Urban Indian Center, Fairpark Family Learning Center, and Salt Lake County’s Aging and Adult Services.

The DigitalLearn program is designed to enhance digital confidence, expand technological knowledge, and increase access to internet-connected devices for Utah residents. The primary objective of the program is to provide comprehensive digital literacy instruction to participants. As an added incentive, participants who complete the required workshops will be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a personal Dell laptop or tablet.

The $10,000 grant will fund the purchase of laptops and/or internet-connected devices for the giveaway, as well as additional technology items and refreshments for participants. While not all participants will receive a device, these offerings provide an incentive to engage in the workshops and contribute to the program’s goal of advancing digital equity. All promotional, personnel, and administrative expenses associated with this project will be provided as in-kind contributions by The City Library, ensuring effective program delivery.

​​”Working with the Public Library Association (PLA) has been an incredible experience. Their dedication to advancing digital and media literacy skills aligns perfectly with our passion for equitable access to technology. We are excited to bring these vital resources to the community, empowering individuals with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly digital world,” said Sylvia Sanchez, City Library Technology & Digital Equity Manager.

PLA President Michael Lambert said, “PLA is proud to support public libraries in being at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in their communities. With another year of PLA’s sustained collaboration with AT&T, more learners across the nation than ever before will get connected to vital digital literacy skills and technology resources at the library.”