The American Library Association has presented the Vancouver Island Regional Library with an award for its digital literacy efforts.
The Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects was given to the Nanaimo library for its VIRL sa国际传媒s initiative, a program designed to help people in need. The initiative connects 鈥渄igital care packages鈥� from the library 鈥� such as laptops, streaming devices and TVs 鈥� with people in area care homes and similar facilities. VIRL sa国际传媒s commenced in 2020 to combat social isolation and increase digital literacy.
Nearly 2,000 residents through 27 community organizations accessed the program. VIRL sa国际传媒s was made possible with help from grants from community foundations and the Government of sa国际传媒鈥檚 Emergency Community Support Fund. Similar programs are forthcoming in Sooke and Sidney, according to the library.
