GOLDSBORO, NC, July 24, 2021 –

The Wayne County Public Library has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. This project will support the library’s mobile library project by helping to purchase digital navigator services for the library’s upcoming Bookmobile. Digital Navigators are individuals on staff who help residents learn to use critical online services that provide guidance with food support, rent, education, employment, childcare, government benefits and more. The Digital Navigator will work to address home connectivity, access to digital devices, and digital skills instruction for citizens.

Director Donna Phillips said, “The Library is pleased to have received the SLNC Adapts Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant award. The 45 awards, totaling nearly $1.6 million, support local library projects that target high-need communities to address digital inclusion.”

Assistant Director Maegen Wilson said, “The grant will allow the library to equip the Bookmobile with tablets and laptops for the Digital Navigator to use during technology classes and one-on-one sessions, as well as purchase a more powerful mobile hot spot, allowing the library’s Bookmobile to function as a free Wi-Fi zone. As many citizens only have access to the internet through their cell phones, the Digital Navigator will also use a mobile library app that will allow participants to make appointments for technology trainings and use library services on their phone.”

This grant is 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 Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-250229-OLS-21).

For more information about the programs and resources offered at the Library, contact Jessica Lozano, PR Coordinator, at (919) 735-1824 ext. 5130 or email her at Jessica.Lozano@waynegov.com.

 

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The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.