# Plan Philly: Poplar Library Branch Embraces Technology and Social Media

https://vimeo.com/67815196\] Limited Internet access does not stop East and West Poplar residents from getting online. The 255 daily visitors of the [Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Branch](https://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branch.cfm?loc=RGR) of the Free Library of Philadelphia are primarily there to use the computer services. [![Lisa Chianese-Lopez worked hard at her computer throughout the day at the library.](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/26004439/su1318planphillyLisaoncomputer1-300x200.jpg)](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/26004439/su1318planphillyLisaoncomputer1.jpg)Librarian Lisa Chianese-Lopez has helped visitors with using social media at the Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library Branch. In a 2012 [article](https://technical.ly/philly/2012/04/04/55-percent-of-philadelphia-households-lack-access-to-internet-new-early-data-shows-rate-higher-than-previously-thought/) by Technically Philly, reporter Brian James Kirk revealed that 55 percent of Philadelphia residents lack access to the Internet in their homes. Librarian Lisa Chianese-Lopez said, "I know a lot of people in the city do not have a computer or Internet, or they're having problems with their Internet or printer. There is a great digital divide." While this library remains filled with books, it has transformed into a facility where people utilize the Internet for job hunting, social networking, and keeping up with the latest news. "They're open Monday through Friday. I come here at least a minimum of three days a week," visitor Ivon Austin said. "I'm in a halfway house and you know, there's not much Internet access. So I just basically come here to stay up on current events." [![Ivon Austin, 30, used the computer services offered at the library several times a week.](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/26004440/su1318planphillyIvononcomputer1-300x200.jpg)](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/26004440/su1318planphillyIvononcomputer1.jpg)Ivon Austin, 30, said he uses the computer services offered at the library several times a week. Austin said he also uses the library's computers to access his social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook. According to [Facebook](https://newsroom.fb.com/Key-Facts), it has generated 1 billion monthly active users as of March 2013.  The high-volume Facebook activity is reflected in the Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library. "My people live on Facebook. I swear everybody is on Facebook," Chianese-Lopez said. "And primarily a lot of the guys who come in here, that's what I'm helping them do- set up their Facebook account. I swear every man, woman and child is on Facebook." Chianese-Lopez once assisted a library visitor in creating a Facebook account to reconnect with a family member. "I actually helped somebody get a Facebook account and he got reunited with his son who he hadn't seen for years," Chianese-Lopez said.  "So people may say, 'Oh, they're just on Facebook.'  But you never know what they're doing on Facebook." [![Jessica Romero, 26, still enjoyed going to the library to read anime.](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/26004441/su1318planphillygirlreadingbook1-300x200.jpg)](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/26004441/su1318planphillygirlreadingbook1.jpg)Jessica Romero, 26, said she still enjoys going to the library to read anime. Besides social media, creating résumés and job hunting has played a major role in the Internet usage at this library as well.  On freelibrary.org, anyone can access the résumé template which guides users on how to develop a successful résumé.  The librarian will also work one-on-one with those preparing to apply for jobs. "We are full-service. You can call us. You can e-mail us. You can text us. We're here for you," Chianese-Lopez said. For more information on the Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library Branch, visit freelibrary.org or text 66746.