NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Sen. Ken Yager, State Rep. Dennis Powers, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced a Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant totaling $5,901 for the Jellico Public Library. The funds will help cover the cost of internal internet connections and solar charging stations at the facility.

“Libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy, education, and community engagement,” said Sen. Yager. “These grants are an important investment in our libraries, ensuring they can continue to support individuals and families.”

TOP Grants are funded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and are administered through the Secretary of State’s office.

“Libraries serve as community hubs that offer space for learning and personal growth,” said Rep. Powers. “This investment will allow the Jellico Public Library to enhance its services and enrich the lives of more citizens. I congratulate everyone who worked diligently to secure these funds for our community.”

TOP grant funding is available for Tennessee public libraries to address unique needs within their communities. Grants can be used for digital literacy training, hotspots, solar charging stations, and increased internet access at the library facility.

“Thank you to Sen. Yager and Rep. Powers for their continued advocacy and support of local libraries. They know that increasing access to technological services for Tennesseans is an important function of our local libraries,” said Secretary Hargett. “This grant enhances efforts to better address the needs of library patrons in the community this facility serves.”

This year, more than $394,000 in TOP Grant funding is being awarded to increase access to technology at 60 public libraries across Tennessee.

To learn more about grants for public libraries administered by the Library & Archives, visit https://sos.tn.gov/tsla.

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