City Of San Antonio: Device Lending Program Bridges The Digital Divide For Older Adults

San Antonio TX

18 October, 2021

11:42 AM

Description

Press release from the City of San Antonio: October 5, 2021 CONTACT: Victoria Villarreal, 210-207-2614 [email protected] CONTACT: Roland Martinez, 210-207-5920 [email protected] SAN ANTONIO (October 5, 2021) — San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) and the City of San Antonio's Department of Human Services (DHS) are piloting a new free device lending program aimed at improving digital literacy and fostering connection during times of social isolation. The Device Lending Program for Older Adults will allow Bexar County residents ages 60 years or older to check out a free iPad from one of five DHS-managed senior centers throughout the city. Borrowers can keep the device at home for up to six months to help them connect with friends and family, browse the internet, connect with a health care provider, engage in leisure activities, and use mobile apps. A personal internet connection is not required as the devices will come with a free wireless cellular connection to access the internet. "San Antonio Public Library is committed to bridging the digital divide for everyone in San Antonio," said Ramiro S. Salazar, Director, San Antonio Public Library. "This program underscores the Library's dedication to equipping older adults not only with vital 21st century resources, but also to services that connect them with friends, family, and loved ones in new and meaningful ways." Among the many benefits of using a digital device, borrowers will be able to access millions of digital resources available through SAPL including eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, and online databases. "The Human Services Senior Services Division helps our community's older adults lead active, independent and engaged lives through comprehensive programs," said Melody Woosley, Director, Department of Human Services. "The Device Lending Program is a great example of DHS and partners, in this case the Library Department, working together to provide a service that greatly benefits and improves the lives of our older adults." Devices will be available for check-out beginning October 5 from these DHS senior centers: Normoyle Senior Center, 700 Culberson, 78211 West End Park Senior Center, 1226 N.W. 18th St., 78207 District 2 Senior Center, 1751 S. W.W. White Road, 78220 Southside Lions Senior Center, 3303 Pecan Valley Drive, 78210 District 5 Senior Center, 2701 S. Presa, 78210 A San Antonio Public Library card is required to check out a device, and SAPL staff can help those interested in the program sign up for a free library account. Anyone who borrows an iPad will have access to free tech support and training opportunities from program partners AARP Senior Planet, OATS and OASIS to help users get the most out of their borrowed device. Funding for the Device Lending Program for Older Adults comes from a one-time, $150,000 gift from the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. The DHS partnership with SAPL was a natural as the Senior Centers serve older adults with wraparound services, making the device lending program an additional resource available at the Senior Center. For more information about the Device Lending Program for Older Adults, call 210-207-2500 or chat with library staff at ask.mysapl.org. For information on other library programs and services, visit mysapl.org. This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author's own.