The City of Wrenford is pleased to announce that the Wrenford Public Library has been awarded a $250,000 grant to launch a community tech hub. The funding comes from the provincial Digital Access Initiative and will support digital literacy programmes, equipment upgrades, and free public internet access at the Main Branch.
The new hub will open its doors on March 15, 2024, in the former meeting rooms on the second floor of the library at 150 Mercer Street. You will be able to borrow laptops and tablets, attend weekly coding and computer skills workshops, and access high-speed Wi-Fi in a quiet, dedicated space. The project aims to close the digital divide and support local job seekers, students, and small business owners.
"Digital access is a basic need in today's economy," said Isabel Moreno, Economic Development Manager. "This grant gives the library the tools it needs to offer hands-on training and reliable equipment right here in our community. It is a partnership that strengthens our local workforce and keeps Wrenford connected."
The library board will manage the day-to-day operations, while the City's Economic Development team will oversee the grant reporting and coordinate outreach with local employers and training providers. The hub will also host monthly "Tech Help" clinics where volunteers assist residents with setting up online banking, job applications, and government services.
Residents interested in volunteering as digital mentors or learning more about the programming can visit the library's front desk or call 519-555-0130. The first series of workshops will begin in April 2024.
For more information on city-funded programmes that support digital growth and small business tools, visit the Economic Development section.