By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — Residents who need to improve computer skills for a new or current job will have that opportunity at the Clyde W. Roddy Library.
The library received a $19,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and two state agencies.
The grant will allow equipment such as new computers, laptops and printers to be used in a separate classroom for training purposes, said Kay Madewell, library director.
Funds should be allocated by the end of summer and classes should be available by December, said Lynnette Sloan, who works with the state agencies and serves as the regional library director with Fort Loudon Regional Library.
The Fort Loudon agency is the central organization for libraries in Blount, Bradley, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea and Roane counties.
The computer lab will offer individuals a way to “deal with workplace issues, since it’s a basic need nowadays in the market,” she said.
The grant program offers help to public libraries and offers assistance with computer installation once they are received and technology support as well.
Ms. Madewell said she was notified last year that a grant might be awarded, but was “surprised” when it actually came through.
The Clyde W. Roddy branch “was the largest facility to hold a classroom and served the largest population in the Rhea County area,” Ms. Sloan said.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.