Mission

Who We Are

The Cyber Café @ Malden Square was formed and is operated by the Community Technology Access Coalition (CTAC). The Cyber Café was formed to help people left behind by the Digital Divide—the gap that separates people with access to and skill with current technology from those without such access and skill. CTAC fulfills its mission primarily by providing free computer and Internet access to the community. CTAC envisions people of all backgrounds and economic levels using the Cyber Café, but the special focus is on those individuals who cannot afford the training or equipment on their own.

Mission

The Mission of CTAC and the Cyber Café is to help lessen the local Digital Divide and the social exclusion that can result by:

• providing lower income, minority, disabled, and elderly community residents with access to computers and information technology,
• offering an entry point for people to gain IT proficiency, and
• promoting social interaction and increased community connectedness and involvement.

Goals

The goals that support the Mission of the Cyber Café @ Malden Square are to provide:

• technology access to the community, especially residents who do not have ready access or are unskilled in its use;
• an informal, non-threatening, welcoming environment to help overcome the fear sometimes associated with technology and encourage continued growth;
• an opportunity for social interaction through technology and the Cyber Café environment to reduce the isolation and social exclusion that often accompany poverty, ethnic/linguistic differences, age, and/or disability;
• various forms of instruction to increase technological competencies; and
• pre-employment services to interested patrons

Membership

We require membership; just complete our intake form and sign an agreement to observe and follow our rules and policies. Membership is $12.00/year, with consideration for low-income individuals who cannot afford the fee. 

Family Membership is also available. 

• 2-person family = $20.00
• Larger family = $20.00 (2-person) plus $5.00 each additional family who will utilize the Cyber Cafe. 

We do not permit "sharing" membership privileges.  Only members are allowed to use the Computers.  However, to accommodate visitors or those who just want to check out our services, we offer an alternative option:

One-Day or One-Week Pass

• One-day pass = $2.00 (good for the whole day, but within our normal time limintations
• One-week pass = $5.00 (good for vacationers, visitors, etc.)
• anyone purchasing a one-day or one-week pass can upgrade to full membership status if you become a member within two weeks after purchasing the one-day or one-week pass

Computer and Internet access is free. Printouts are $.10/page.  Our computers are networked to a single high-speed (DSL) Internet connection and a black and white laser printer.  Our Training Room has 8 student computers and 1 instructor computer.  Courses are minimally priced; $5 - $10, depending on the course.

If you don't have a computer, or you work in the area and need to check your email during lunch, drop in and check us out. We're located at 110 Pleasant Street, on the corner of Washington Street, near MATV, Government Center, and the new Senior Center.

Program and Site Accessibility

All programs and services of the Cyber Café @ Malden Square are available to people of all income levels. If any program fees present a barrier to your participation, please speak to a staff member.

The Cyber Café is located in an accessible site and our programs are intended for people of all abilities. We have installed various accessibility software programs and hardware.

Access needs differ for every individual. If you have a hardware or software access need, please speak to a staff member and we will work with you to try to provide an appropriate accommodation.