South Bend Launches ‘Digital Inclusion’ Center
CLICK will be located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in South Bend.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of South Bend has launched an effort aimed at growing "digital inclusion." In partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library and St. Joe Valley Metronet, the city has created the Center for Learning, Information, Connectivity, and Knowledge, which will have a focus on helping residents "gain the technology and digital literacy skills demanded by the modern age."
The center will be located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in South Bend. It will include high-speed Internet, public Wi-Fi, laptop and desktop computers, and services such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing.
"We are truly stronger when we work together," said SJCPL Executive Director Debra Futa. "The Library has been working to provide digital access and digital literacy training for decades. The site brings library resources out into our neighborhoods, providing access to the areas that need it the most. CLICK SB will make a huge impact on our community by eliminating barriers so that every person can meet their personal and professional goals.”
Metronet is providing the infrastructure and high-speed connectivity for the center, while the SJCPL will provide equipment, software, and tech support. The city will furnish space and allocate staff. The city says the goal is the develop more CLICK locations throughout the city.
"Educational and economic empowerment requires high quality access to the Internet and technology for residents," said South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. "The CLICK at MLK will connect residents to digital resources and aligns with our efforts to make access to the Internet a core element of equity in the 21st century."