By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford Public Library has launched a mobile learning center that sets out to bridge the digital divide by providing underserved communities with access to technology.
The library in partnership with SiFi Networks unveiled on Wednesday the new DigiLibrary, a 2024 Ford Transit equipped with 36 Chromebooks and internet access.
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The mobile learning center will travel to community events, parks, gathering places and to neighborhoods with fewer technology resources. There, DigiLibary staff will set up pop-up tech education opportunities ranging from teaching coding to kids to helping adults with resume writing and digital literacy.
“We know that not everyone in our community has equal access to technology and the internet,” said Lynn Stainbrook, the library’s executive director. “This mobile unit will allow us to reach people who might not be able to come to our brick-and-mortar locations or even our larger mobile library. …
“Imagine kids learning technology skills while in our parks. Adults getting help with online job searches while at a community event, or seniors figuring out how to video chat with their grandkids in distant cities while they remain in their home in their neighborhood. That’s the impact we’re aiming for with our DigiLibrary.”
The DigiLibrary and its technology were donated to the library by SiFi Networks, which is in the midst of a $200 million project called Rockford FiberCity to bring high-speed internet access to every home and business in the city.
“We place connectivity outside of every premise in the city, giving everyone the opportunity to connect to the network,” said Deondri Manalli, community relations specialist at Rockford FiberCity. “There is no cherry picking affluent areas, no discrimination.”
Manalli said the partnership with Rockford Public Library was an extension of its mission to expand access to the internet.
“Closing the digital divide is very important to us,” Manalli said. “Rockford FiberCity has donated this DigiLibrary and its tech to create sustained impact throughout the city, bringing connectivity to the hands of those that are challenged to connect, and we look forward to seeing it around the city providing a vital service.”
The new mobile center was introduced in an event at the Montague Branch Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St., on the city’s south side.
The DigiLibrary is in addition to the larger library-on-wheels that’s simply called the Mobile Library.
“This is meeting our residents where they’re at, and providing them the tools and resources and education that they need right where they’re at,” Mayor Tom McNamara said.
The DigiLibrary is also able to provide internet access in times of emergencies and citywide disasters
There are no routes or stops scheduled for the new DigiLibrary yet, but officials said those will be announced soon. You can inquire about where it will be stopping, or request it to come to your neighborhood or organization by calling the mobile library number at 815-966-2742.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas