BELLOWS FALLS — Greater Falls Connections (GFC) of Bellows Falls donated five Kindle Fire tablets to the Rockingham Free Public Library (RFPL). The library staff will be making the devices available to patrons to borrow.
The idea for the purchase came out of a need for youth, especially those connected to Friends for Change (FFC) - a democratically run, youth-led/adult guided, trauma-informed, and play-based club in Bellows Falls - to have access to school programming and to stay socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to assist those who wanted to quit smoking but didn't have access to technology for cessation workshops and apps.
“The purchase was possible through our membership in Green Peak Alliance, a group of prevention coalitions in the Springfield region,” GFC director Laura Schairbaum said in a news release. “During the pandemic, they offered an opportunity to purchase supplies or other items that could be used to support the community. Through our partnership with FFC, we identified the need for students, and it was a good opportunity to also support those who wanted to quit tobacco.”
The donation to the library seemed like a natural fit, according to Schairbaum.
“We know from our work in the community that access to technology is a huge barrier for those who need it the most,” Schairbaum said. “The library connects people to resources and information so this is a great way to allow more people access to more services that can help them."
“The Kindles are available for anyone with a RFPL card to borrow for free,” said RFPL Youth Services Librarian Samantha Maskell. “Library cards are free to Rockingham residents and WNESU students and teachers. The library connects people with resources. We're pleased to circulate these devices along with Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks to help our community stay connected with the tools they need.”
Greater Falls Connections is a community coalition based out of Bellows Falls providing community connections that lead to positive change. GFC also provides resources, workshops and educational opportunities that help to address the root causes of substance misuse disorders. Those interested in getting involved can call 802-463-9927, ext. 208, or visit online at greaterfallsconnections.org.