We have had a busy and adventurous week aboard the Techmobile. From geography and map literacy programs for third graders to lots of open access time where adults registered for online banking services, worked on their resumes, set up their new Kindles and learned to download free music from the Free Library's website, we are ready to help with any digital literacy need. 

We also visited a Literacy Fair at St. Christopher's Hospital, but our biggest challenged this week has been getting gas. Pumps at the first two depots we visited were out of service, but our third try was a charm. The friendly and generous firefighters at Squad 47 on Grey's Ferry Avenue helped us access their pumps so we could make sure we were rolling today with full air conditioning. 

So, a big thank you to the Philadelphia Fire Department from the Free Library's technology outreach team!

To request a visit from the Techmobile, please visit freelibrary.org/techmobile.

Tags: Hot Spots, Techmobile

We are on the road today, visiting the Kingsessing Branch. Today is primary day, and many of our branches are polling locations.

The Techmobile is parked on South 51st Street, and we are inviting on board anyone with questions about their polling place or whether they are already registered to vote, and if anyone wants to find out any information about candidates before they cast their votes. In addition, we are registering people for Library cards and offering internet access. 

To find your polling place or see if you are registered to vote already, you can use the Committee of Seventy's webtools here.

To request a visit from the Techmobile at your organization or event, click here. For more information, see our Techmobile webpage.

Tags: Elections, Hot Spots, Techmobile

Have you seen them around town? On subway concourses, sides of buses and within SEPTA bus shelters, KEYSPOTS ads have premiered. KEYSPOTS is a citywide initiative bringing internet access, training and technology to Philadelphia communities.

KEYSPOTS is powered by Freedom Rings Partnership—a consortium of government, higher education and non-profit entities that includes the Free Library of Philadelphia. Two of the library’s six Hot Spots (www.freelibrary.org/hotspots) are also funded by this federal Broadband grant (BTOP), as is the soon-to-arrive Techmobile.   

*The Free Library will continue to promote our BTOP funded computing centers as Hot Spots, because it ties them to our four Knight Foundation funded Hot Spots.   We want to alert you to the dual names, because the partnership publicity and the 311 call center will refer to our Hot Spots as KEYSPOTS.*

A new website (www.phillyKEYSPOTS.org) will assist you and your patrons in searching for FREE computer access and trainings at KEYSPOTS throughout the city. Even though the site has just launched and many additional programs and upgrades are still pending, it is the most comprehensive location for information about KEYSPOTS and the Freedom Rings Partnership.

If you have any questions about Free Library Hot Spots, please phone TOPSS at 215.686.5372. If you have questions about KEYSPOTS, please contact 311 or 215.851.1990.

Tags: BTOP grant, Hot Spots, Techmobile

The Free Library is acquiring a Techmobile, a 25’ vehicle outfitted for digital literacy training and outreach. Right now, construction is in progress and we expect you’ll see the Techmobile hitting the streets in April.

Trainings will range from computer and email basics, résumé writing and job searching to workshops about small business resources, parenting resources, social networking, e-books and more.

 The Free Library will partner with community organizations for these trainings. If you or your organization is interested in a visit from the Techmobile, please fill out the Partner Interest Form.

Techmobile Stop Criteria

• Organization’s mission must relate to the mission of the Free Library: “The Free Library of Philadelphia advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity.”
• Organization’s programs and services must target underserved populations. 
• Location must have adequate and safe parking for the vehicle (measuring 25 feet long).There are 6 training workstations, and each Techmobile visit will contain a formal training or workshop as well as open access time.
• Organization must provide staff or volunteer support to assist with class registration before our visit, arrival, set-up and security. Techmobile staff should also be able to use the facilities of a host organization.
• Participants must complete an evaluation at end of training
•  Event, workshop or activity must be free of charge to the participants, and must be open to all residents in accordance with the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance that prohibits discrimination.

This program is supported by the Federal Broadband Opportunities Program Grant. The zip codes identified in the BTOP Grant are: 19102, 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19128, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19135, 19136, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19146, 19148, 19154. For more information about the BTOP Grant in Philadelphia, please visit the Phillykeyspots.com, the homepage of the Freedom Rings Partnership.

Please direct any other questions to Joel Nichols, Techmobile Manager, at 215 686-5372 or via email at nicholsj@freelibrary.org.

Tags: Hot Spots, Techmobile, digital collections

The first Free Library Hot Spot officially opens today! Deputy Mayor Mike DiBerardinis and Free Library President and Director Siobhan Reardon will cut the ribbon on the Hot Spot at Heavenly Hall Annex (4015 Poplar Street) this morning.

Free Library Hot Spots bring computer access, classes, and the internet to neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. Each Hot Spot includes computers, a printer, and all necessary broadband equipment. Hot Spots are staffed by computer assistants trained to provide you with guided instruction as well as open-access computer time.

Collaborating with community partners, the Free Library is helping to bridge the digital divide by bringing internet connectivity and skills training to more people--all for FREE and right in the neighborhood.  For a list of current Hot Spots and hours of operation, please look here or phone 215-686-5372. Click here to watch a video about 85 year old Reverend Hawkins and his Hot Spot habit.

Tags: Hot Spots, digital collections