PCL hosts legal literacy program

PROVIDENCE – In partnership with Libraries Without Borders, the Providence Community Library is offering a series of legal literacy pilot programs and legal resources – known as the Legal Literacy Initiative – to Olneyville residents this summer.

The program started on July 28  and will run through Saturday, Sept. 8.

  • Monday, 2:30 p.m. -4:00p.m.: Manton Heights, 31 Salmon St.
  • Monday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:50p.m.: Showcase Laundromat, 65 Manton Ave.
  • Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. -4:00 p.m.: Bus Station, Olneyville Square
  • Wednesday 4:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.: Manton Heights, 31 Salmon St.
  • Saturday, Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Flea Market, 120 Manton Ave.
  • Saturday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Showcase Laundromat, 65 Manton Ave.

Participants will be use tablets with Wi-Fi capabilities from which they will be able to access related legal materials as well as guides for digital literacy, English-language learning, health care and job opportunities.

A goal of the program is to establish a permanent learning center at which each of these materials will be available for neighborhood resident use. Administrators hope it will be in place by early September.

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Libraries Without Borders has previously piloted successful legal outreach programs in Hyattsville and Salisbury Maryland as well as Washington D.C. through similar platforms.

“One of the greatest aspects of Olneyville is its diversity,” says Adam Echelman, Libraries Without Borders’ director of programs, in a statement. “We want to brainstorm new ways to engage the community, especially around sensitive issues like immigration and housing law. Through the Legal Literacy Initiative, we will build on existing community outreach efforts already made by PCL and test out some new locations.”

Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.