Labor and Literacy Lab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      

Trenton Free Public Library Selected to Participate in Statewide Digital Literacy Certification Program for Adult Residents

Trenton, NJ – 11/10/2021 – The New Jersey State Library announced that the Trenton Free Public Library has been selected to participate in its Hub & Spoke Libraries pilot project, a statewide effort that will provide uniform digital literacy training and credentialing for adult residents at 14 public libraries across the state. Through a competitive grant process, the State Library selected three hub libraries that will serve as regionally-based training labs, and 11 spoke libraries that will provide additional digital literacy support. Trenton Free Public Library will participate in the program as a Spoke library. Services will begin being offered to the public at select library locations in January 2022.

The project aims to create a standardized and replicable library-based digital literacy certification program to assist New Jersey’s workforce. Participants will visit on-site training labs, with certified trainers offering digital literacy workshops and other workforce-related services. The Trenton Free Public Library will connect with its local Workforce Development Board and American Job Center, as well as other libraries in the area, to create a referral and sending system that accounts for client intake, record keeping and data sharing. Participants will have access to free, high quality training materials, videos, classroom aides, and mini lessons.

“Digital literacy skills are fast becoming an essential component to navigating everyday life. We are thrilled with the award of this generous grant that will provide our community the opportunity to learn or increase their digital skills and allow access to digital resources,” said Director FrancoMartin. “As a ‘Spoke’ library there will be a dedicated staff member with access to the tools necessary to provide basic digital instruction in our Computer Lab and the partnership with the State Library supports further increasing those skills at the ‘Hub’ libraries.”

“We are proud to partner with the Trenton Free Public Library in this effort to build a cohesive system for digital literacy training and credentialing for New Jersey’s workforce,” said Jen Nelson, New Jersey State Librarian. “Currently, these services are non-standardized, and offered through a decentralized patchwork of disparate service providers. We hope that this library-based model will be replicated throughout New Jersey, and beyond.” 

The program will be facilitated by the Plainfield Public Library (PPL), and will model PPL’s proven system for providing literacy programming. This project was made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds made available to the New Jersey State Library through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). For more information about the Hub & Spoke Libraries pilot project, visit: www.njstatelib.org/ARPALiteracyProject. To learn more about services available at the Trenton Free Public Library, contact Shanshan Ming at 609-392-7188 & ssming@tfplibrary.org.

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About the Trenton Free Public Library

The Trenton Free Public Library is the bridge that connects the community to literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity. TFPL is the oldest library in New Jersey, founded in 1750 as the Trenton Library Company by Dr. Thomas Cadwalader. Benjamin Franklin is said to have purchased the library’s first 50 books. Originally a subscription library, it became incorporated as a free public library as it is known today. For more information, visit www.trentonlib.org.

About the New Jersey State Library

The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), connects people with information and resources through its service to libraries, state government, TESU staff and students, and NJ residents, including those with special needs. NJSL provides support for public, school, academic, and special libraries, and continues to promote services for learners of all ages, including key areas of continuing need such as digital literacy, business outreach, workforce development, summer reading programs, and services for the visually and physically impaired, among others. For more information, visit www.njstatelib.org.