State Representative Ed Butler said a state grant totaling nearly $4,000 will help the Millard Oakley Public Library bridge the digital divide.
Butler said the funding is provided through the Secretary of State’s office to help local facilities improve their technological resources and expand broadband access for rural residents. Butler said these grants are essential for rural libraries that often face limited local funding and resources compared to urban areas.
“I think these grants are probably essential to helping to keep these libraries current with current materials in them, updated because a lot of these libraries don’t get enough funding locally, especially in the rural areas where there’s very, very limited resources,” Butler said. “I think it’s even more critical that these grants are available to these rural libraries.”
Butler said many residents in rural communities still lack reliable internet access at home and rely on the library to complete essential tasks. Butler said the accessibility provided by the grant is instrumental for people who need to submit job applications or navigate online services.
“They’re able to go in these libraries, maybe get some assistance with some of the technologies that they struggle with,” Butler said. “Even if they did have the technology at home, a lot of times they don’t know how to utilize those resources, and so a library can have these types of resources and have digital access for them, and then have somebody there on hand to help them navigate some of those digital things, I think it’s a tremendous resource for the community.”
Butler said the library serves as a hub where staff members can provide hands-on assistance to residents who struggle with modern technology. Butler said this support is particularly important for older citizens who may only use flip phones or have limited experience with digital platforms.
“I think that’ll be very instrumental in helping them expand what they’re doing and the resources they can provide,” Butler said.
Butler said his office works to notify local entities like libraries and volunteer fire departments when state money becomes available to ensure they have the opportunity to apply. Butler said while libraries do not win every grant they seek, each successful application represents a significant victory for the community.
“There’s always somebody in the library that’s willing to help them, and many of these people that work in these libraries are very passionate about helping somebody, very passionate about serving the community,” Butler said “And so they’re a tremendous resource in the library themselves.”
Butler said there is a renewed value in physical libraries despite the prevalence of smartphones and search engines. Butler said the library offers a human element of service that technology cannot replace, especially for those who need help navigating complex applications.
“Folks like my parents that are up in their age, they have a hard time navigating some of the technology,” Butler said. “So, if they’re trying to navigate some type of application or something they’re trying to apply for, they really need some help. And so, being able to go to the library and get some help with a person that’s actually there, with the technology there, I think that’s an invaluable resource.”
Butler said additional grants for both specific and generalized needs will become available in the future, and encourages more libraries to apply for them.