The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000 Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant from the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). The grant will support the launch of the Library’s 2025 Digital Learning Lab—Gloucester’s first educational space dedicated to inclusive digital learning—and the Library’s inaugural Computer Basics Course, which will provide 15 hours of hands-on technology training. In addition, qualified participants will receive a free device and a one-year Internet service plan.

The Sawyer Free Library is one of 13 grantees to receive a 2025 ECCF Digital Partnership Grant. These grants, which total $627,000 and encourage cross-sector collaborations, are part of Advancing Digital Equity, ECCF’s multi-year, $3 million commitment to empower all Essex County residents with the access, education and equipment necessary to successfully navigate today’s increasingly digital world.

In total, this group of grants represents more than 60 local community partnerships and will positively impact residents from 26 Essex County communities. The Library’s $50,000 ECCF grant is allocated as follows: $18,520 for furnishings and audiovisual teaching equipment for the Digital Learning Lab, and $32,480 for program expenses associated with the Computer Basics Course.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Essex County Community Foundation for this generous support,” said Jenny Benedict, Sawyer Free Library Director. “By helping us establish the Digital Learning Lab and our first- ever Computer Basics Course, ECCF has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring equitable access to technology for all Gloucester residents. This partnership will transform how our greater community learns, connects, and grows in a digital world.”

The Digital Learning Lab, slated to open early this Fall as part of the Sawyer Free Library’s major renovation and expansion, will be an 800-square-foot publicly accessible space on the Library’s ground floor. Furnished with an interactive teaching display, Chromebooks, and classroom seating for 20 participants, the Lab is designed to address critical barriers to digital equity, such as broadband access, device access, and digital literacy.

Beginning in September 2025, the Computer Basics Course will introduce up to 50 participants—divided into four cohorts—to fundamental digital skills, including basic computer operations, productivity software, online safety, and communication tools such as email and video conferencing. Upon completion of the 15- hour training and demonstration of proficiency, participants will receive a free Chromebook and one year of Internet service.

The course is open to anyone who qualifies by demonstrating need or by identifying an educational, workforce, or personal well-being goal. Community partners such as Open Door, Action Inc., the Senior Center, and Wellspring House will refer participants, helping ensure the project’s success. Additionally, the Council on Aging/Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester Housing Authority, and the Gloucester Health Department will play a vital role in reaching those who benefit from the program and ensuring they remain engaged.

This initiative also includes valuable professional development for local high school and college student interns, who will help deliver the program through small-group tutoring and one-on-one support. Internships will be promoted in partnership with Gloucester Public Schools, leveraging channels such as the student newspaper, The Gillnetter.

UMass Lowell, which has played a crucial role in advancing digital equity throughout the region, will support the Library’s new educational program by providing additional funding for computer. The university is also embarking on a new college student intern program and anticipates a placement at Sawyer Free Library for the delivery and evaluation phases of the Computer Basics Course. The intern will assist with instructional activities, assessment tools, program promotion, and participant recruitment.

The Sawyer Free Library is a leader in advancing digital equity in Gloucester through partnerships, programs, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, community building, and continuous learning. Currently operating from its temporary location at 21 Main Street and online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, the Library looks forward to its grand reopening later this year. The renovated, expanded, and modernized space will bolster the Library’s central role in delivering innovative resources and opportunities to Gloucester’s diverse community.

To learn more about Advancing Digital Equity, please visit eccf.org/digital-equity/.