The Ohoopee Regional Library system was awarded 44,000 to host a series of digital literacy classes in Toombs, Montgomery, Tattnall, and Jeff Davis counties over the next six months.

The library system will begin classes in September in Hazlehurst and Glennville with plans to hold classes in October for the branches in Vidalia, Reidsville, and Mount Vernon. The classes will cover computer basics, internet basics, email, and cyber security.

The library hopes to be able to build on top of the basic courses and have more in-depth courses in November and December.

The Ohoopee system is one of 160 libraries in 44 states to have received this grant to help with digital literacy courses, created by the Public Library Association (PLA) in collaboration with AT&T.

“The mission of libraries has always been about equitable access to information, literacy, learning, and culture,” said PLA President Maria McCauley. “In the age of COVID-19, this mission has only become more vital as libraries have played a critical role in keeping community connected and online.”