Digital Literacy Initiative from Dept. of Labor and FCC

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBEPrC0xsGA[/youtube]

On July 16, the Arlington Employment Center hosted Secretary of Labor  Hilda Solis and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski for the kickoff of a new federal program called Connect2Compete.

Coming later this year, Connect2Compete will offer affordable high speed internet and low-cost computers to qualifying participants. It will also provide digital literacy training in communities nationwide, through a partnership with Best Buy’s Geek Squad and America’s public libraries.

Speakers also included the Honorable Susan H. Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Hildreth explained the natural partnership between American Libraries and Connect2Compete, saying:

“… America’s libraries are engines of transformation. They are community hubs where people get online to find work, get an education, connect to government services and much more… A recent study found that 77 million people got online at a library in one year and 30 million of them used library computer for workforce needs.

…We believe that the 21st century librarian is an expert information navigator and also an expert community navigator. Today’s libraries are community anchors contributing to a strong workforce, energized educators and lifelong learners. We support digital resources, training programs, and outreach to people who experience all kinds of barriers to accessing information. We believe in a democratic society where communities and individuals can thrive because they can have great access to information.”

View our flickr set of photos from the event.

Samantha Dreams Big…

Next time you’re at the Columbia Pike Branch Library, check out the bright, new comfy cushions in the kids section.

Learn more about Summer Reading at the Arlington Public Library.

Stories to Take Us on Magical Journeys

Each month, more than 20 literature lovers from Community Residences visit the Shirlington Branch Library for Prose-Out-Loud 2.

On June 27, when this photo was taken, Dyann read James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl – in which a strange bunch of creatures travel in an enormous piece of fruit to New York City, a place where dreams come true – and then showed part of the film.

Learn more about Prose-Out-Loud and Prose-Out-Loud 2.

We can!

Teens had a blast this week creating Sharpie Tie Dye T-shirts at the Columbia Pike Branch Library, using a simple three-step process:

Click to enlarge photos

See more photos on flickr.

Learn more fun and easy craft ideas next Wednesday!

For adults who enjoy listening to and discussing great literature.

“Plant a Garden, Grow a Community”

The Westover Branch Library is creating a new Community Garden program in partnership with Arlington Public School’s Teen Parenting Program.

Starting in September, students in the Family and Consumer Services program at the Reed School will work with their science teacher, the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia and Westover librarians to plan and plant a container garden of cold weather crops.

In addition to planting and tending the garden, students will attend workshops on nutrition, how to use library resources, community participation and civic engagement. They will also read and participate in a book discussionled by the Westover librarians.

• Seeds for the Westover garden have been donated by The Dinner Garden.
• The garden program is funded by an Arlington Education grant from the Arlington Community Foundation.
• Produce harvested from the Westover garden will go to the students and the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

The Library will also offer children’s programs based around the garden – check the Westover Branch Library calendar or the Kids Events page for more information.