Public libraries are the heart and soul of a community’s educational, civic, social and economic life. That’s especially so in rural areas and small towns. Sometimes, though, those libraries are unable to fulfill their mission. That’s particularly so when it comes to providing the technical training, equipment and information residents need to become or remain competitive in the contemporary workplace. A series of just announced grants should help remedy that situation.
Nearly 80 mostly rural libraries across Tennessee will be awarded about $1.5 million to provide computers, peripheral equipment, high-speed Internet routers, education courses and job skill training to patrons. The project, a joint effort of the Department of State and the Department of Economic and Community Development, uses state funds to leverage additional money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program. Funds will be distributed soon. Libraries still have to finalize and sign consent agreements before money is forwarded.
Area libraries slated to receive grants include those in Altamont and Monteagle in Grundy County; Athens in McMinn County; Crossville in Cumberland County; Dayton in Rhea County; Decatur in Meigs County; Ducktown in Polk County; Dunlap in Sequatchie County; Pikeville in Bledsoe County; and Kingston and Rockwood in Roane County. The money will be put to good use under the grant proposals.
Many of the recipient libraries serve communities that are among the hardest-hit by the recent downturns in the national economy. In a state where rural access to broadband and other technology still is limited, the importance of increased availability of what promises to be first-class technical equipment and training for residents who want to earn or hone job-seeking skills can’t be underestimated. Simply put, the grants are invaluable.
Many rural libraries have struggled recently to provide the technical assistance and equipment patrons must have to obtain the skills and information needed to secure a place in today’s workplace. The grants won’t – can’t – end all those troubles, but they should help make the task a bit easier.