Community

Maricopa to benefit from stimulus grant to libraries

Jun 6, 2010

Nine libraries in Pinal County will be getting 165 new computers and wireless laptops as a result of a federal grant to the county. The grant funding was made possible in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 along with
the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records.

The entire Pinal County portion of the project is valued at $198,000. There is a total federal grant of $158,400 and the Pinal County Board of Supervisors authorized a matching contribution of $39,600, plus $1,333 in administrative support.

“This project is an investment toward the future prosperity of the county,” said Pinal County Library Director Denise Keller. “Our residents will have access to the latest technology to help them in job searches, online training opportunities, distance learning programs, research and more. It’s a proven fact that when the economy starts sliding, library usage goes up. We will be equipping people with the tools they need to succeed as the economy starts recovering.”

In addition to the Maricopa Public Library, other county libraries slated to receive the equipment include:

Apache Junction Public Library
Arizona City Library
Coolidge Public Library
Eloy Public Library
Florence Community Library
Kearny Public Library
Mammoth Public Library
San Manuel Public Library

All Pinal County libraries currently have broadband access and public computers. Many times library patrons have to wait to gain access to the machines. This project will expand the availability of computers without having to use precious capital to construct additional work stations in the libraries.

When passed by President Barack Obama, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act specifically emphasized opportunities to extend the reach of modern technology and broadband access to enable economic recovery. The grant is part of “Broadband USA: Connecting America’s Communities,” which will put more than 1,000 new public access computers at 84 libraries throughout Arizona.

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