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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 07, 2003
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442
Cyber-Lifeguards and Corporate Donors Come to the Rescue at Library Cyber Centers
No water, no life preservers, and no whistles blowing—not your typical image of a summer lifeguard scene. This summer the Austin Public Library's Wired for Youth Centers have 9 cyber-lifeguards working with youth ages 8 to 18 at Wired for Youth Centers (WFY). "Library staff are the best search engines and filters money can buy,” said Youth Services Manager Jeanette Larson. This program allows the kids a safe and effective Internet experience. The program was made possible and funded by a $25,000 grant from the Dell Foundation, and a $20,000 grant from the SBC Excelerator program. "The purpose of SBC’s Excelerator program is connecting the underserved to today's advanced technologies," said SBC Executive Jim Lydon. "The Wired for Youth program at the Austin public Library is a great example of a program that gives kids the tools they need in today's world.” Nine cyber-lifeguards are working with the Wired for Youth Librarians and are helping youth "surf the Internet" at the Faulk Central Library, Carver Branch, Cepeda Branch, Little Walnut Creek Branch, Manchaca Road Branch, Oak Springs Branch, St. John Branch, Southeast Austin Community Branch, University Hills Branch and Windsor Park Branch.
The cyber-lifeguards are library school graduate students and school librarians who work 20 hours a week to provide one-on-one assistance, summer classes and programs such as learning basic HTML, how to build Web pages, flash animation, and various other software programs. The cyber-lifeguards from June through July provide additional coverage for the busy and active computer centers. "We are especially appreciative that funders are stepping up to the plate in these tough economic times,” says Margaret Henkels, Library Foundation Executive Director. On average over 10,000 youth visit the WFY Centers monthly.
About the Wired for Youth Centers
Through the Austin Public Library Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Wired for Youth Centers were created by a grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and are staffed by professional youth librarians. Since the launch in 2000 the popularity of the Wired for Youth Centers exceeded the Library's expectations. There is no other program in Austin that gives at-risk kids computer access after school staffed by adult(s) who can guide their progress. The librarians have a high level of expertise in technology and teaching various types of computer skills from Web page development to how to use office applications. "Children living in the information age will be disadvantaged without easy access to information-age tools for learning. The Internet, like our libraries, opens the door to new worlds and new opportunities for our children,” says Susan Dell. Wired for Youth (WFY) was designed to help bridge the "digital divide" for youth who are least likely to have access to personal computers and technology.
For additional information about the WFY centers or about the Austin Public Library visit www.cityofaustin.org/library, or call (512) 974-7400.
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