New eLearning Center to launch on Digital Learning Day in Feb.
COATESVILLE – There is a virtual universe of information available on the Internet, but without access to computers, it is possible that some folks could get shut out.
But thanks to the coming donation of a number of laptop computers, city residents will be able to reach into that deep pool of information and learning just by going to their local library.
Denise Stout, Director of the Coatesville Area Public Library, announced Monday that she will gather with Board Members of the Coatesville Community Education Foundation on Feb. 6, 2013 at the Coatesville Area Public Library to receive laptop computers donated to the library’s new eLearning Center. The event coincides with Digital Learning Day where thousands of people across the country come together to raise awareness about the transformative role of computer learning can have on schools and communities.
The Coatesville Library will receive free laptops donated by PointRoll of King of Prussia, a Gannet Company, and software donated by Team Children of Eagleville, Pennsylvania. Through the collaboration of the Coatesville Community Education Foundation and the Coatesville Library deserving library users will receive the opportunity to borrow laptops and use them in the library. The event begins at 10 AM on Wednesday, Feb. 6 helping the library to launch its eLearning Center.
According to library officials, government projections show that in the next 10 years, more than 1.5 million high-wage jobs in the technology sector will be created in the U.S. economy, making computing one of the fastest growing occupational sectors. Working hands on with computers, regardless of a student’s ultimate occupation, will provide the critical computer skills, knowledge, and practices necessary to be ready for college or a career.
“We need to encourage and embrace our students’ interest in working with computers on a daily basis,” said John L. Hall, V.P. of the Coatesville Community Education Foundation. “The donation of these computers by our sponsor Point Roll of King of Prussia will help our students to start a journey on a successful career pathway. Computer skills are required by all employers for jobs right here in Chester County. We have come together today to celebrate the donation of these computers to a deserving community and to shine a light on the importance of computer skills in today’s economy.”
Library officials echoed those sentiments and expressed pleasure at the library being picked as the local for the new laptops.
“I am so excited to announce that patrons of the Coatesville have been selected to have the opportunity to use the donated lap tops from the Coatesville Education Foundation,” said Stout, the Director of the Coatesville Library. “Let me say thank to all those who have played an instrumental role in obtaining the lap-top computers for our library. “
The Coatesville Community Education Foundation is an independent public charity. The Foundation cultivates diverse partnerships for the education, training and cultural enrichment of our youth. Our mission is to support the development and implementation of cultural programs and learning opportunities which benefit Coatesville area students and community. The Foundation is organized exclusively for the charitable purposes within Section 501(c)(3), which qualifies donations to the Foundation as being tax exempt to the full extent permitted by law.
