Senator Page Walley, Representative Kirk Haston and Secretary of State Tre Hargett supported the Chester County Library with a $4,174 Training Opportunities for the Public, TOP, Grant to provide digital literacy training and broadband services for its patrons and a $1,714 Technology Grant for new desktop computers and printers.
“The Chester County Library is an integral part of the community. It provides access to more than just books, but also internet connectivity, computers, technology training and more,” said Sen. Walley. “I’m pleased that the Chester County Library is receiving these grants to help fund important functions of the library that keeps citizens connected. I appreciate Secretary Hargett for administering these funds.”
“The Chester County Library is a valuable asset to our community,” said Rep. Haston. “This funding will increase access to the important technology and services that it provides. I appreciate the Secretary of State’s office for its continued support of these efforts.”
TOP and Technology Grants are administered by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State. This year, more than $325,440 in TOP Grant funding is being awarded to 56 public libraries, and $320,000 in Technology Grant funding is being awarded to 103 public libraries across Tennessee.
“The Chester County Library is an important resource to the community, providing opportunities to learn and grow through access to technology,” said Secretary Hargett. “Both grants, administered by the Library & Archives, will enhance the library’s capabilities to meet the technological needs of its patrons. I appreciate Sen. Walley and Rep. Haston’s support of public libraries.”
TOP grants are supported by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. TOP Grants are available for public libraries to provide digital literacy training to the public, hotpots, solar charging stations, increase internet access at the library and for the Digital Navigators pilot project.
Technology Grants are funded by the Tennessee state government and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Each grant is matched with local funds. Tennessee libraries use Technology Grant funds to purchase or replace computers, software, networking hardware and other electronic equipment for library staff and patrons.
To learn more about grants for public libraries administered by the Library & Archives, visit sos.tn.gov/tsla.
