Two Tennessee libraries recently received Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) grants for technology upgrades, according to press releases by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.
White County Public Library was awarded a $9,301 TOP Grant to provide improved internet access and ease of use for its patrons. Senator Paul Bailey, Representative Paul Sherrell, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett traveled to the library to deliver the grant.
“The White County Public Library is working to increase digital literacy and accessibility with computer training for their patrons, improved internet availability at the library and by offering hot spots and a solar electronic device charging station,” Secretary Hargett said in a statement. “Thank you to Sen. Bailey and Rep. Sherrell for making this grant possible that helps local libraries provide technology services to their communities.”
Tellico Village Public Library was also awarded a TOP Grant of $17,414 to increase internet access for their patrons. Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Representative Lowell Russell, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett traveled to the library to deliver the grant.
“Technology now drives so much of our culture and economy,” Lt. Gov. McNally said in a statement. “It is critical that our citizens have access to technology and the opportunity to develop the digital skills that come with its use. I am grateful this money will be spent to ensure the citizens of Tellico Village and Loudon County have continued access to technology at their public libraries.”
TOP Grants are administered by the Tennessee State Library & Archives and supported by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). The grants are available for public libraries to provide digital literacy training to the public as well as hot spots and solar charging stations, to increase internet access at the library, and for the Digital Navigators pilot project.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than $349,000 in TOP Grant funding is being awarded to increase access to technology at 50 public libraries across Tennessee this year.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Tellico Village Public Library” by Tellico Village.
Just think of all of the tax savings to be had if the “free” grants were shut down.