Blount County Public Library was recently selected to receive a $9,600 technology grant to invest in new computers and other technology equipment.
The funding from the Tennessee Department of State will be matched by donations from the Friends of the Blount County Public Library, totaling contributions worth $19,200.
The library will use the funding to purchase 16 new computers for staff members as well as an upgraded server to manage the facilities’ library system. The library may also look to upgrade its outdated technology by purchasing items such as a new energy-efficient printer, an LED monitor or a
DLP projector.
Secretary of state Tre Hargett said “in many communities across our state, particularly in rural areas, public libraries are the only free source of internet access people have.” By investing in state-of-the-art technology, Hargett said individuals will have more opportunities to “conduct job searches” or become “more competitive in the workforce.”
Maine libraries recently received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to upgrade their technology. The $1.4 million in funding will help pay for more than 500 computers and new videoconferencing products.
