Library awarded state grant
Published 8:19 pm Friday, April 28, 2017
- Star Photo/Curtis Carden The Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library will unveiled new programs in the coming months to help the community learn more about computers and using items online. The classes, and 12 new laptops, is made possible that to a grant that facility recently received.
A laundry list of classes will soon be available at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library.
Sen. Rusty Crowe (R – Johnson City) and State Rep. John Holsclaw announced Tuesday, April 25 they were notified by Secretary of State Tre Hargett that a grant worth $7,585.49 was awarded to the library.
News of the announcement brings a level of excitement to the facility according to ECCPL Director Renita Barksdale.
“I’m able to get 12 laptops, and we’re also able to do 30 classes to help with computers and online training,” Barksdale said. “In these classes, I’ll be able to have a professional come in and teacher. I’ll be able to pay her with funds provided by the grant.”
Rep. Holsclaw added the grant is important for the citizens of Carter County.
“This will be a big boost to help fund this needed project,” he said. “Many of our local residents utilize this library, technological advances and training are needed to improve access. I am very pleased that this grant has been awarded.”
Sen. Crowe added, “I am very pleased that these funds are available for the purpose. This grant will provide needed training and will help update our technology to provide citizens with better access to information stored or retrieved electronically. I congratulate our local officials for their work in securing these grants for our library.”
Barksdale said the grant would begin to see use soon with the library purchasing the laptops in July. Once the items are purchased, the director said the classes we’ll be rolled out.
Various classes will be unveiled in the coming months, ranging from computer safety, coding for children, homework testing, job resumes, along with a host of other topics.
“We’re excited to be offering these classes to the public,” Barksdale said.
To stay up to date with news at the library, visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Facebook page online or call (423) 547-6360.