The Linebaugh Public Library System is receiving a $100,000 Library Construction Grant from the Tennessee State Library and Archives to create a new Technology Engagement Center, the first of its kind in the state of Tennessee. The $2.2 million addition will be located on the grounds of Hobgood Elementary School with easy mass transit access.

This free-standing, ADA compliant, 5,492-square-foot facility will include 36 computers, free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, a children’s programming area and a laptop bar with charging stations. The “shelf-less” facility will house countless online resources, expanded software and 3-D printers. The facility will serve as a small business incubator and a research center for students outside of regular operating hours.

“I am thankful this grant will make an impact on not just the library system, but the region as a whole,” said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “This cutting-edge facility will make it easy for all Tennesseans to learn, create, find jobs or simply access the internet.”

The Linebaugh Public Library currently serves over 250,000 residents of Rutherford County. Recognizing a crucial need for the 41 percent of Rutherford County residents who do not have internet access at home, advocates of the Linebaugh Public Library pushed for the launch of a new Technology Engagement Center. The anticipated completion date of the project is set for March 2018.

“The Technology Engagement Center will provide our community with greater access to online resources and ever-changing technology," said the senior member of the Rutherford County delegation Sen. Bill Ketron (R- Murfreesboro). "As one of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S., this grant means more to Murfreesboro than the money; this is an investment in our community, our children and our future. I am proud to welcome this funding into Murfreesboro and thank Sen. Tracy, Rep. Rudd, Rep. Sparks, Rep. Terry and Rep. White for their support in securing these funds. I look forward to the completion of the center in March.”

The creation of the Technology Engagement Center is a community effort with additional financial support from the City of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, the Christy-Houston Foundation, Friends of Linebaugh Public Library and the Linebaugh Library Foundation.