What do we mean by “digital inclusion?” It’s the work we need to do to reach digital equity - a community where no one’s neighborhood of residence, race, age, gender, immigration status, primary language, education or income level is predictive of their access to the internet, their access to appropriate devices, or their knowledge of how to use digital technology to meet their needs. Currently, 13.5% of Denver residents are digitally disconnected - they lack access to the internet or an appropriate device. 36.5% of those who make under $30,000 a year are disconnected, as are about 1 in 4 residents who identify as Hispanic or Black.
To help address these disparities, Denver Public Library (DPL) provides access to the internet, devices, and technology training every day across the city. DPL has public computers and wireless internet available in all of our 27 branches and lends out hotspots and Chromebooks to anyone with a DPL library card, providing vital connection to the internet to thousands of people a year.
In addition to providing free access to devices and internet in a variety of ways, DPL also provides support and education to help people use technology effectively. We offer tech help appointments, drop in times and classes to help people build their skills and confidence using technology. We also have a small team of digital navigators who provide individualized or small group assistance to community members in targeted neighborhoods who need access to affordable home internet service, affordable internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills in order to become effective home internet users. Since that program began in April 2022, DPL’s digital navigators have helped hundreds of people get connected with free or low cost devices and home internet.
Whether it is access to devices, the internet, or technology education, DPL is proud to be a key driver in forwarding digital inclusion in Denver.