The Tennessee State Library and Archives is awarding more than $337,000 in library technology training grants to 45 public libraries across the state.
The grants will provide libraries in the Tennessee Regional Library System state funding for new laptops, software and technology training within their communities. Each grant is matched with at least 10 percent in local funds.
"Libraries aren't just about books anymore. They are technology hubs, especially in underserved communities. We know providing updated laptops and training will ensure every Tennessean has the resources and skills they need to work on school projects, apply for jobs or conduct the same business many of us do online every day," said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. "Access is something many of us take for granted."
The grants, which are state funds distributed by the Secretary of State's office, are intended to help residents improve their digital literacy. The grants have a similar mission as the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Haslam in April.
Here is a complete list of library technology training grant recipients:
| Library | City | Grant Total |
|---|---|---|
| Ardmore Public Library | Ardmore | $3,826.80 |
| Audrey Pack Memorial Library | Spring City | $6,543.00 |
| Blount County Friends of the Library | Maryville | $9,000.00 |
| Bolivar - Hardeman County Library | Bolivar | $6,038.10 |
| C. E. Weldon Public Library | Martin | $8,992.80 |
| Charles Ralph Holland Memorial Library | Gainesboro | $8,885.70 |
| Chester County Library | Henderson | $5,995.80 |
| Cleveland Public Library | Cleveland | $9,418.50 |
| Clinton Public Library | Clinton | $6,794.10 |
| E. G. Fisher Public Library | Athens | $9,900.00 |
| Elizabethton - Carter County Public Library | Elizabethton | $7,585.49 |
| Elma Ross Public Library | Brownsville | $5,463.18 |
| Etowah Carnegie Library | Etowah | $4,050.00 |
| Fayetteville - Lincoln County Public Library | Fayetteville | $9,034.65 |
| Giles County Public Library | Pulaski | $5,252.40 |
| Grand Junction Library | Grand Junction | $6,320.88 |
| Greeneville Greene County Public Library | Greeneville | $9,900.00 |
| Hancock County Public Library | Sneedville | $9,706.50 |
| Hardin County Public Library | Savannah | $5,788.80 |
| Humboldt Public Library | Humboldt | $2,600.10 |
| Jackson - Madison County Library | Jackson | $9,000.00 |
| Johnson City Public Library | Johnson City | $9,291.12 |
| Kingston Public Library | Kingston | $9,900.00 |
| Lauderdale County Library | Ripley | $5,915.70 |
| Lee Ola Roberts Library | Whiteville | $4,923.18 |
| Lewis County Public Library | Hohenwald | $8,465.40 |
| Macon County Public Library System | Lafayette | $6,660.00 |
| Madisonville Public Library | Madisonville | $8,662.00 |
| Marshall County Memorial Library | Lewisburg | $9,900.00 |
| Middleton Community Library | Middleton | $8,865.00 |
| Mildred G. Fields Memorial Library | Milan | $7,549.20 |
| Obion County Public Library | Union City | $8,793.90 |
| Parsons Public Library | Parsons | $8,469.96 |
| Public Library at Tellico Village | Loudon | $9,616.50 |
| Sevier County Public Library System | Sevierville | $8,391.60 |
| Shelbyville - Bedford County Public Library | Shelbyville | $8,988.30 |
| Smyrna Public Library | Smyrna | $8,826.30 |
| Somerville - Fayette County Library | Somerville | $6,021.00 |
| Spring Hill Public Library | Spring Hill | $9,786.60 |
| Tellico Plains Public Library | Tellico Plains | $2,605.50 |
| The Friends of the Library of Perry County | Linden | $6,609.60 |
| Unicoi County Public Library | Erwin | $8,761.50 |
| W. G. Rhea Public Library | Paris | $9,000.00 |
| Washington County Jonesborough Library | Jonesborough | $3,240.00 |
| White County Public Library | Sparta | $8,357.40 |
| Total: | $337,696.56 |
The Library and Archives also awards library technology grants, archive development grants and library construction grants annually.