The American Library Association announced on May 1 that the Suffolk Public Library was selected to participate in the Libraries Lead with Digital Skills Program, an initiative of ALA and the Public Library Association and sponsored by Grow with Google.

According to a Thursday press release, Suffolk Public Library will provide free, public workshops focusing on a wide range of topics, including digital basics, assistance for job seekers and personal development. The library will receive a $1,000 award upon successful completion of the program.

Additionally, all completed Lead with Digital Skills programs will be considered for a secondary selection process to receive a Spotlight Award, which awards an additional $3,000 to winning libraries. One or more libraries per state will be selected based on the success and outreach of their initial projects.

“Our goal is to empower the Suffolk community with lasting 21st-century technology skills that they can use in all aspects of their lives,” Raynell Carpenter, library learning and staff development coordinator, stated in the press release.

The Digitally Yours Program will consist of four 90-minute workshops in which participants will use the Google platform and tools to develop their digital skills.

Registration is required for each session. These workshops will begin on June 1 with topics such as digital basics, “what is the cloud and how do I use it,” jobs and personal development and “enhance your resume,” according to the press release.

Special Digitally Yours Discovery Appointments will also be offered to anyone that’s unable to join the other workshops. These one-hour appointments will be held on Fridays in June. Registration will be required.

This program is funded by Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, which was created so that local libraries can combine their own programs and Grow with Google’s training materials to offer community workshops or other activities aimed at empowering small business growth online or assisting job seekers.

“Libraries have long been America’s gathering place for learning. From learning new digital skills for the workplace, to creating a résumé or growing your business online, people are going to libraries as resources for professional growth now more than ever,” Google Digital Skills Program Manager Nicky Riggs stated in the press release.

Visit suffolkpubliclibrary.com for more information.