(NASHVILLE) –  State Senator John Stevens announced today that 12 libraries in Senate District 24 will receive $31,877 in combined technology grants from the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Stevens made the announcement after being notified by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

“These funds will help provide much needed updated technology and offer new learning experiences,” said Senator Stevens. “It can be expensive to upgrade to new technology, and I am glad these grants will be available to libraries in our community. I appreciate the work of Secretary Hargett and his staff in administering these grants.”

Technology grants are available for public libraries to replace or purchase technology, including computers, software, networking hardware or peripherals.  The grants include:

• $9,812 for software, network equipment, laptops, touchscreens, and software at Benton County Public Library
• $1,777 for desktops and monitors at C.E. Weldon Public Library
• $1,800 for desktops at Carroll County Library
• $372 for printer and barcode at Dr. Nathan Porter Public Library
• $1,390 for desktop and networking equipment at Gibson County Memorial Library
• $3,697 for microfilm at Humboldt Public Library
• $887 for desktops at McKenzie Memorial Library
• $4,370 for desktops at Mildred G. Fields Memorial Library
• $574 for networking equipment at Ned R. McWherter Weakley County Library
• $4,183 for desktops at Obion County Public Library
• $1,052 for desktops and monitors at Sharon Public Library
• $1,963 for thin clients at W.G. Rhea Public Library

“Libraries are an important place for our communities to learn and grow together,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Libraries provide access to technology, something many of us take for granted. I’m proud of the role the Tennessee Library and Archives plays in increasing access to technology and education across our great state.”