Neuse Regional Libraries awarded Library Services and Technology Act grant for digital learning centers
Melanie Morgan
Neuse Regional Libraries Awarded Library Services and Technology Act Grant for Digital Learning Centers: Opening the Door to Accessibility Project
Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) are excited for the opportunity to implement the Digital Learning Centers: Opening the Door to Accessibility project thanks to a $44,595 LSTA grant 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.
Neuse Regional Libraries will develop five Digital Learning Centers to support community members in a safe and secure digital environment by streamlining the user experience and enhancing teleconference infrastructures, bridging the digital divide. NRL will equip meeting rooms at the Greene County Public Library, Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, the La Grange Public Library, the Pink Hill Public Library, and the Trenton Public Library with SmartBoards, computers, and iPads to assist patrons with small business, telehealth, workforce development, and individual learning needs. The library will also partner with the Lenoir Community College Small Business Center and NCWorks Career Centers to provide in-person and virtual access to resources and workshops. Additionally, NRL staff will offer one-on-one technology tutoring through the Literacy Without Barriers program and expand the Entrepreneur Mindset program by offering virtual courses to increase access.
The Digital Learning Centers project will leverage past successful grants like East Carolina University’s Digital Bridges, and previous LSTA-funded projects Let’s Connect, Literacy Without Barriers, and Wi-Fi for All to build more equitable access to technology resources and programming in the community where people can connect with the tools and expertise that they need to thrive and succeed. To learn more about this initiative and other NRL programs and services, visit neuselibrary.org. The Library would like to extend special thanks to Lenoir Community College for collaborating with the NRL to expand access to valuable workforce development workshops and resources throughout our region.
LSTA 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-256834-OLS-24).
