Minnesota State Library Services shares advice to help libraries encourage Minnesotans to comment on the Digital Opportunity Plan; it will impact the who, where and how much money will go into digital equity around the state. I know we can’t all be librarians, but I think a lot of readers will have comments to share and colleagues or constituents who might be interested too…

Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) invites public comment on a draft Digital Opportunity Plan. (Read an executive summary, or the full Digital Opportunity Plan.)

This plan will guide the state in investing an anticipated $20 million from the federal Digital Equity Capacity Grant to expand digital inclusion for all Minnesotans through access to the internet, access to devices, and digital skills training.

Libraries can encourage public comment on the plan in two ways:

• Request free copies of the plan and handouts for your library! Copies of the plan are about 100 tape-bound pages. Handouts are one page and come in 50-copy bundles. Consider having a full copy of the plan on hand in case a patron wants to review it. OBD will process orders on Friday afternoons from August 18 to September 15. Please plan on two weeks for processing and delivery. For assistance completing the form, please call 651-259-7267 or email Hannah.Buckland@state.mn.us.
• Promote a Digital Opportunity Listening Session happening near your library! These are free events for all Minnesotans to bring their thoughts about access to the internet, access to devices, digital skills, and Minnesota’s digital future. There are two virtual sessions and 16 in-person events happening around the state in late August and September. See the Connecting All Minnesotans flyer for dates, times, and locations.

The public comment period ends September 29, 2023.