The State Library of North Carolina proudly announces the SLNC Adapts Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant awardees. The 45 awards, totaling nearly $1.6 million, support local library projects that target high-need communities to address digital inclusion, expand digital network access, purchase internet-accessible devices, provide related technical support in response to the coronavirus, and support community needs.
Stanly Community College Library will support Early College and dual-enrolled high school students by providing digital literacy and inclusion instruction through a traveling Digital Inclusion Librarian through their “Digi-Equity” project.
Madison County Public Library’s “Community Connections” project expands internet access at its three locations and five senior nutrition sites across the county. Patrons at the library and nutrition sites will have the ability to check out hotspots and Chromebooks in addition to receiving ongoing digital literacy training.
Cumberland County Public Library is creating a new outreach-focused service that will provide access to technology and the internet and use dedicated library staff to provide digital navigation assistance to their communities with their “Connecting the Last Mile” project.
The State Library received funding as part of the federal government’s investment in museums and libraries through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provided additional funds to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support vital library programs and services in local communities.
These grant awards are made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-250229-OLS-21).
LSTA grants are awarded in response to specific needs of public, academic, and community college libraries. These federal funds are investments that help libraries deliver relevant and up-to-date services to their communities.
A complete list of awardees appears at: slnc.info/SLNC-AdaptsNews.
About the State Library of North Carolina
The State Library enriches the lives of North Carolinians through access to information resources, strengthens communities through exceptional library services, and inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all North Carolinians. The Library Development section helps North Carolina Libraries serve their communities by providing consulting services, supporting continuing education opportunities, and administering grant programs, including the Aid to Public Libraries fund that supports public libraries serving all 100 NC counties. The Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability. The Government & Heritage Library provides library materials and services to support state employees, family history researchers, educators and students, and those interested in North Carolina culture and history.