The Delta County Libraries will be closing for two days for staff training in August. "The Delta and Cedaredge libraries will be closed Monday, Aug. 1," says district director Annette Choszczyk, "and the Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Paonia libraries will be closed Monday, Aug. 8."

The Delta County Libraries has received a technology grant through the Colorado State Library. "This grant is part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program where we will be increasing public access to the Internet and providing lots of public computer training," Choszczyk explains. "In order for us to accomplish this project, we need to train our staff on all of the new computer equipment and software. So, to minimize the disruption of library services, we have chosen two consecutive Mondays to close."

"This is a great opportunity for us," Choszczyk says. "We are really excited about this grant program and will be hosting launch events in September with new computer classes beginning in October. One of the most exciting parts of the program will be our new mobile computer labs," she explains. "The grant has provided for each library to offer computer classes not only in the library but also out in our communities."

Besides increasing public access to the Internet, the grant program is focusing on advancing the use of electronic services for employment, digital literacy, business development, health, and education. Prospective partners are encouraged to contact their local library if interested in receiving computer training.

"We are also improving accessibility for handicapped patrons," Choszczyk states. "The Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, and Paonia libraries will be receiving ADA computer workstations. This is an important service that we have not previously been able to provide," she says.

For more information about how individuals, organizations, or businesses may benefit from the mobile labs and computer classes, please contact your library manager or visit the Delta County Libraries' website at www.deltalibraries.org.