Advancing digital equity through donor support

Calgary Public Library’s digital services are used millions of times each year.  Increasingly, the Library is a destination for Calgarians seeking access to technology and connectivity, and for help developing the skills required to make the most of these digital resources.

Library staff answer hundreds of thousands of informal technology questions each year — nowadays, they field these questions more than traditional reference inquiries. Many of these are related to the Library’s digital resources: namely, the Borrow a Computer program and access to free Wi-Fi and print services at every Library location.

On top of these resources, the Library offers a wide variety of programs to enhance users’ familiarity with technology at every age and stage of life, including Debunk the Junk, a media literacy program for school-aged students, or Tech Mentors, a one-on-one, drop-in program that provides volunteer help with patrons’ technology problems.

As a donor, you can help the Library advance digital equity in our community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Here are two ways the Library can use your gift:

• $50 supports one drop-in session of Tech Mentors. Make sure support is there for Library patrons, when they need it most.
• $500 buys a new Chromebook. These devices can be used in the Library for work or casual browsing, or checked out and taken home. Chromebooks are checked out over 3,000 times per year.