NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Sen. Frank Niceley, State Rep. Gary Hicks, State Rep. Dennis Powers, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced a Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant totaling $5,822 for the Barbara Reynolds Carr Memorial Library. The funds will help cover the cost of digital literacy instructors, Wi-Fi hotspots, and internal internet connections at the facility.

“Libraries make communities successful by providing invaluable resources that support citizens as they learn and grow,” said Sen. Niceley. “This grant will boost all services offered to those who visit our local library; we are excited for its future, thanks to the increase in resources provided through this grant.”

TOP Grants are funded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and are administered through the Secretary of State’s office.

“Access to technology and digital literacy training are critical for the success of our communities,” said Rep. Hicks and Rep. Powers in a joint statement. “The Barbara Reynolds Carr Memorial Library is a tremendous asset to Claiborne County, and this grant will allow it to best meet the needs of the public.”

TOP grant funding is available for Tennessee public libraries to address unique needs within their communities. Grants can be used for digital literacy training, hotspots, solar charging stations, and increased internet access at the library facility.

“Thank you to Sen. Niceley, Rep. Hicks, and Rep. Powers for their continued advocacy and support of local libraries. They know that increasing access to technological services for Tennesseans is an important function of our local libraries,” said Secretary Hargett. “This grant enhances efforts to better address the needs of library patrons in the community this facility serves.”

This year, more than $394,000 in TOP Grant funding is being awarded to increase access to technology at 60 public libraries across Tennessee.

To learn more about grants for public libraries administered by the Library & Archives, visit https://sos.tn.gov/tsla.

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