Free library resources

The Pleasanton Public Library (PPL) has launched CAreer Pathways, a new collection of digital resources meant to encourage "lifelong learning and skill-building" for community members, including students, job seekers, and adult English language learners.

Existing library services and resources now include an expanded selection of free digital tools recently gifted by the California State Library for job training, professional development, test preparation, and skill-building. Users can access subscriptions to the Brainfuse JobNOW/VetNOW, Coursera, GetSetUp, Learning Express Library, and Northstar platforms for no charge, in addition to PPL's other digital resources and print collections.

Take-home LTE-enabled Chromebook computers and Wi-Fi hotspots are also available, as well as document printing and scanning, and outgoing fax services. A library card is required to access PPL's print and digital resources, or to borrow computers and hotspots.

To learn more, visit www.pleasantonlibrary.org or call 931-3400.

'The Power of Giving'

Some of the region's best known nonprofit organizations were honored and named benefactors of the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Fund during an inaugural recognition event called "The Power of Giving", held at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore last week.

Launched in the early stages of the pandemic, the fund raised and distributed $183,000 to six local nonprofits: Axis Community Health, Open Heart Kitchen, CityServe of the Tri-Valley, Tri-Valley Haven, Senior Support of the Tri-Valley, and Spectrum Community Services (Meals on Wheels).

The Dec. 7 event was hosted by the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA), which also announced plans that evening to expand the grant program into an annual event.

Now 501(c)(3) organizations that serve the Tri-Valley communities of Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville and Sunol are eligible to apply for grants between $1,000 to $5,000 four times a year. Donors can choose which type of organization they want their funds to support: direct service, arts and science, or "any organization of any type." Funds will be distributed annually in March, June, September and December.

The Community Health & Education Foundation (CHEF) is also partnering with TVNPA, and will administer matching funds for the program, while Marti and John Sutton will "continue as key matching funds partners." Both parties are also matching the first $25,000 raised at 150%.

For more information about the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Fund Grant Program or to donate, visit www.tvnpa.org/tvnf.

Wheels bus pass drive

Donations are now being sought for the sixth annual Bus Pass Drive, which provides homeless and low-income residents with free Wheels bus passes.

Bus passes are issued to local organizations that serve residents in need, including the Livermore Homeless Refuge, Open Heart Kitchen, Asbury United Methodist Church, Interfaith Sharing Food Pantry, Axis Community Health, and Tri-Valley Haven, who then distribute the passes to select individuals.

Donations of any amount are welcome, and 100% of all donations will be used to buy Wheels bus passes.

Checks can be made out and mailed to: Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550. Be sure to write Bus Passes on both the memo line and the envelope, and to include your email address for acknowledgement of your donation.

Online donations can also be made at bit.ly/2021buspasses (a courtesy fee will be added to the credit card charge).