NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Sen. Joey Hensley, State Rep. Jody Barrett, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced a Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant totaling $5,461 for the Lewis County Public Library and Archives. The funds will help cover the cost of internal internet connections and Wi-Fi hotspots at the facility.

“Libraries are community anchors that provide invaluable services and resources,” said Sen. Hensley. “These grants will help libraries continue to support education, literacy, and lifelong learning.” 

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

“The Lewis County Public Library and Archives is a valuable asset to the community that provides access to important materials and services,” said Rep. Barrett. “This investment will ensure it is best equipped to meet the needs of the public. I congratulate everyone who worked diligently to secure this grant for our area.” 

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. Hensley and Rep. Barrett 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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