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PLEASANT surprises were in store for Yvonne Myers, director of the Martins Ferry Public Library, concerning grant funds for computers and training as well as to the response for training.
“No one was more surprised when I got a (computer) lab, but I’m thrilled and glad people are using it,” she said.
The lab is in operation at the Martins Ferry Public Library, and training already is being made available at some branch libraries in the county. A large part of the funding is through Connect Ohio, and there also is a local share involved.
“We’ve been filling up classes (for the free training) and will be doing this through next year,” said Myers. “I’m pleasantly surprised at the response. Those classes fill right up – the response has been very positive.”
In addition to the computer lab in Martins Ferry, training currently is being offered at the branch library in Powhatan Point, and another is planned there in June. Next month, there’ll be training at the libraries in Shadyside and Bethesda.
Sixteen laptops are used in the training.
Explaining the training is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, Myers said there are varied reasons why people take it. Many of those taking the training are more than 50 years of age.
Some of the younger individuals need to know how to apply for a job online as some companies only accept applications online, according to the library director.
“We’ve had people who want to know how to upload pictures from digital cameras. Others wanted to know how to get coupons as well as to view government and travel online sites,” Myers said. “They’ve asked about Facebook and Twitter.
“We tell people to bring their questions.”
While noting that she was surprised that so many people are interested in training, the director said, “I think it’s good.” She added many of them have dealt with computers to some degree. … It’s basic (training), but sometimes that’s what people don’t have.
“We’re trying to get people into the basic stuff. If they want do more, fine.”
In addition to the 16 computers in the computer lab, there are four extra computers, purchased through the grant, in the main library. These are available for practice.
Hired to be instructors in the lab were Russell Reed and Lisa King. The training is for six hours, and offered are three classes of two hours each and sometimes, two classes for three hours.
With the approval of funds through the Connect Ohio program of Every Citizen Online, Myers said the Ferry library became a sub-recipient. Grant funds paid for 20 computers with $400 going toward each computer and $32,400 was earmarked for 720 hours of training. The library provided a 25 percent share.
In regard to computers, the library director said, “The whole area is considered underserved, because we’re in Appalachia.”
Federal funds for the program came from stimulus money.
Connect Ohio reported last year that the Every Citizen Online program to provide free computer and broadband training received $6.9 million in federal funding and more than $3 million in assistance and contributions from a number of participating entities across the state.
A nonprofit, public-private partnership, Connect Ohio’s mission, according to a Web site, “is to see all Ohioans connected to the benefits of high-speed Internet service. Through the Every Citizen Online program, Connect Ohio is assisting libraries and community colleges with the cost of instructors, computers and public awareness to provide training to as many as 200,000 new users over the next two years.”
The Martins Ferry library and its branches already had more computers than ever before. Last year alone, 28 computers were purchased through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the local share involving $18,200 in donations.
Persons interested in signing up for the Every Citizen Online computer training in Martins Ferry or one of the branches are asked to call the Ferry library, (740) 633-0314. Myers regards the free training program as “very successful so far.”
Pokas can be reached at timesleader@timesleaderonline.com.