A federal project looking to improve public computer access and technology services awarded the Chapel Hill Public Library with funding earlier this week.

The library will receive nearly $150,000 of competitive grant money to improve computers, Wi-Fi service and multilingual assistance to better serve community members without proper access to such resources, according to the Town of Chapel Hill. Helping patrons who have insufficient internet access at home and are either low-income or historically marginalized community members is a specific goal Chapel Hill Public Library aims to use this funding to address.

“In times of crisis, communities turn to their public libraries for help,” wrote library Director Susan Brown in a release. “With this project, we will turn outward to communities most in need during this pandemic, giving them access to technology that is needed now more than ever.”

According to library leadership, the Chapel Hill Public Library was one of more than 1,700 institutions nationwide who applied for the technology grant. The project overseeing the grant, called “Whenever, Wherever, Whyever: Expanding Technology Access,” is part of the federal CARES Act and will last for two years.

The library’s building has been closed to the public since March due to the pandemic, which means those who rely on their computer services have been unable to use the on-site machines. With this funding, however, the library says it plans to now establish a laptop lending program and find ways to increase Wi-Fi access to communities of need, particularly black and immigrant neighborhoods since those populations have been more negatively impacted by the coronavirus.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck about the award and praised the library for its efforts to aid the community, even prior to the pandemic.

“We’re just so pleased the library is going to be able to do more with technology and lending out equipment to folks,” said the mayor. “I’m proud of our library, they’re so passionate about connecting people to the resources they need.”

The full release about the Chapel Hill Public Library earning this technology grant can be found on the town’s website.

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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