Chester County Library receives $25,000 grant

The Chester County Public Library is set to receive grants totaling more than $28,000 thanks to a combination of opportunities addressed by library director Savannah Gilbert.
This year, the Tennessee State Library and Archives received $2,740,728 to award grants to public libraries in the state of Tennessee. The grant is called the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and allows certain libraries to apply for $25,000. Gilbert indicated grants of this size for libraries are a rarity, and the library only has to match the grant with 10% funds. 
Gilbert applied for a grant totaling $30,282 and the library was awarded $28,632. Of that total, $2,863.00 will be paid for from the Clayton McAdams Fund which allows for the purchase of materials and technology for public use. 
Library patrons will see these funds used in a variety of ways at the Chester County Library.
A new library website went live October 15 and can be viewed at chestercountylibrary.net. The design cost totaled $4,500 of the grant funds.
The new website features many improved aspects such as local, educational, health, financial, and electronic resources all in one location. In addition, it provides access to recordings of training that the local library has offered over the past two years in order to enhance patrons’ learning. The calendar now offers a way to add library events to patrons’ calendars and to receive a reminder one hour and one day before events. The website includes FAQs (frequently asked questions) and many more great resources. The community is encouraged to take a look at the new Chester County Library website and utilize it. 
The remainder of funds are being used to purchase what has been classified as supplies. Within the supplies category, $8,000 will be spent on books, DVDs, audiobooks, learning kits, and e-books/audiobooks for the Libby/Overdrive app.
Those who would like to recommend an item for purchase may visit bit.ly/CCLRecommend. This is a form where recommendations for purchase may be listed. Specify in the notes if the recommendation is specifically for the Libby e-book/audiobooks app. 
For the remaining $16,132, the Chester County Library will be updating all six laptops (for use in the library), two of the desktop computers that are three years of age, a laptop for use at meetings for staff, materials to upgrade on-site wifi capabilities and allow wifi service further outside of the physical library building, 12 new monitors (one for all of the computers within the library), a new barcode scanner, an iPad for use within the library, and new webcam with a built in microphone for trainings and meetings. 
“The Chester County Library was very fortunate to receive this wonderful grant and has already gotten started on ordering the technology, compiling lists of materials to purchase, and our website has already been completed!” said Gilbert. “From everyone at the Chester County Library, we hope that these additions and upgrades help to make the lives of our community easier as well as to be able to offer more for our patrons.”