It’s a rare day when Chris Lulli doesn’t spend most of his time in the Jasper Public Library.
In 2008, Mr. Lulli lost his job when the company he worked for, Engineering Business Systems, went out of business. Ever since, he’s used the library’s computers, fax and copy machines to look for employment.
“This is job central right here for me and a lot of people,” Mr. Lulli said. “Many people in Marion County don’t have Internet at home.”
Lucky for them, the Jasper Public Library is one of 76 public libraries in 61 rural counties receiving a joint state and federal grant that will provide about a dozen laptop computers to help library patrons who are job hunting online.
Partners in the effort are the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.