With the help of a $10,000 technology grant from the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the Jackson-Madison County Library will be adding a host of high tech devices to its collection and will even be working with the Jackson Energy Authority and the Jackson Housing Authority to install free WiFi access within three JHA neighborhood community centers.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett presented the library with a check for $10,286 through this 50/50 match, which will result in a total expenditure of $20,572 for new technology for the library. Part of the library’s total matching dollars will be funded by the Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation. The Tennessee State Library and Archives’ annual technology grants help libraries better serve their communities and create a solid technology infrastructure. This year, the State Library and Archives is giving out more than $350,000 in technology grants across Tennessee.

“Our library is a hub for free access to computers and wireless gigabit Internet access in our community,” said Dinah Harris, Library Director. “Through the state’s technology grant program, we are able to offer innovative programs and tools for use by the community such as 3D printers, high speed gaming computers in the Teen Room and devices that help teach computer coding in our Makerspace. We are also very excited to partner with the Jackson Energy Authority and the Jackson Housing Authority on a project to provide free WiFi in three neighborhood community centers. This will open up so many unique opportunities and partnerships for the benefit of those who may not readily have access to the Internet.”

According to Harris, JEA will provide the Internet connection to these locations at no cost to the library and the grant will allow the library to purchase the equipment necessary to allow people to connect to that service wirelessly. The connections will then be filtered through the library’s servers and will require those who access the Internet to log in with a library card or as a guest.

“Through this unique partnership, the library can deliver resources within a context that promotes education, lifelong learning, and civic engagement,” continued Harris. “As a trusted institution, a partnership with the library offers the ability to funnel users into a digital environment that places a higher value on connections, as well as fostering civic and social participation. Partnering with the library by using our servers also allows the project to be compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act, an important consideration when serving children and youth.”

The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org.