PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aimee Reeder
Communications Manager
Berkeley Public Library
510.495.4175
areeder@berkeleyca.gov
Berkeley Public Library Awarded Grant to Boost Digital Literacy
Berkeley, California (April 22, 2025) – Berkeley Public Library has been awarded $10,000 in funding by the Public Library Association, Digitallearn.org resources, and AT&T. Last month librarians Kasey Brien and Kelsey Ockert began teaching classes funded by the grant.
Upcoming classes open to the general public include:
Central Library
- Computer Basics (April 25, 1–2 pm)
- Mobile Device Basics (May 2, 10–11 am)
- Internet Basics (May 7, 1–2 pm)
- Webcam Basics (May 16, 10–11 am)
South Berkeley Senior Center
Cybersecurity — May 13, 1–2 pm
North Berkeley Senior Center
Email Basics — May 1, 11:30–12:30
“I did not think we could compete with the lively ukulele program in the room next door at the Senior Center, but we sure did!” Ockert chuckles. “It was a great soundtrack to our training, which ended up being very well attended and well received.”
In addition to senior centers, collaborating with other community hubs is part of the grant work.
Breien explains, “We want to get out into the community to help Berkeley residents where they are and reach those who might not know about all the free library resources.”
Ockert and Breien are partnering with the Downtown Streets Team (DST) program as part of DST’s weekly job seeker support sessions.
Another community partnership developed as part of the grant is with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA), whose mission is to provide quality affordable homes and services that empower people and strengthen neighborhoods.
Currently, basic computer and device tech help is offered at all Berkeley Public Library locations:
Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
Drop-in weekdays 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
For 1:1 tech help appointments call 510.981.6260
North Branch
Mondays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (e-resources)
2nd & 4th Fridays 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (general tech help)
Claremont Branch
Drop-in Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
For 1:1 tech help appointments call 510.981.6280
West Branch
Drop-in Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
For 1:1 tech help appointments call 510.981.6270
Central Library (3rd Floor Electronic Classroom)
Drop-in Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. and Fridays 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Remote / Online
Weekdays via Zoom: Sign up for online tech help sessions
For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit Berkeley Public Library website .
For more information on the grant, please visit: PLA digital literacy grant announcement
All Library programs are wheelchair accessible. For questions, to request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY) at least five working days in advance.
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