Flint Township View

Genesee District Library receives $97,500 grant




GENESEE COUNTY — The Genesee District Library (GDL) has received a $97,500 federal grant to expand broadband access by providing the 19 branch system with 55 desktop computers and 10 laptops.

The majority of the desktop units will be used to create a new computer lab on the second floor of the Clio Area Library, G-2080 W. Vienna Road. The lab will help meet the location’s growing demand for public computers to perform job searches and apply for jobs on-line. The lab will also provide the GDL with the necessary space to conduct free computer classes.

The remaining desktop computers will be sent to other library branches located in Mt. Morris, Genesee, Flint Township, Davison, Fenton, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Linden, and Swartz Creek.

The laptops will allow the GDL to expand its computer class offerings at the libraries that lack the space or proper amount of computer stations.

Genesee District Library computer classes are free of charge and cover a variety of topics like computer basics, e-mail basics, facebook, and excel. The grant will now allow computer classes covering programs from Microsoft Office 2010 software.

“The GDL is facing economic challenges, but we will not allow the situation to paralyze us in our mission to provide free access to resources that empower and educate,” said GDL Executive Director, Carolyn Nash. “Our team continues to aggressively identify grants, partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities that will allow us to continue to provide the level of service the community has come to expect from us.”

The funds received by the Genesee District Library are part of a $6 million grant awarded to Michigan State University. The grant will be used to increase the numbers of computers in libraries, public housing centers, tribal community centers, other community centers and community colleges. A total of 207 locations will receive 2,232 computers.

The Genesee District Library is a destination for family programming, materials and services, and access to technology. The GDL operates 19 locations throughout Genesee County with the exception of Flint. The library is funded by a districtwide millage that provides materials, programs, technology, programming, and staffing; each individual city, township or municipality is responsible for providing and maintaining a library building. The GDL is governed by a Board. — G.G.


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