03/29/2024
Spread the love

By: Erin Smith

Bladen County Public LibraryThe Bladen County Public Library is waiting eagerly for word regarding a grant application recently submitted for an EZ Edge Grant through the State Library of North Carolina.

Library Director Kelsey Edwards said the county library has participated for the past three years in an Edge Technology Assessment. She said the assessment looks at things such as how the library reaches out to the community, the way the library uses technology, and such.

“If you do that (the assessment), they offer a grant opportunity where you can pick a benchmark you are not meeting and apply for a grant to help you reach that benchmark,” said Edwards. “The assessment was completed in February.”

She said the assessment asks questions about various categories within the library to help staff determine how well they are meeting certain benchmarks. Edwards once you determinate which benchmarks you need to improve upon, the staff can then decide which benchmark they want to address and apply for the grant.

If the grant is approved, the library system could be receiving a much needed shot in the arm in terms of their technology needs. The grant application is in the amount of $4,830.08.

If approved, the library will purchase six iPads loaded with learning and educational games and application for children ages 2 to 5 and furniture. Each branch will receive two iPads if the grant application is approved.  Edward said currently, the main library in Elizabethtown has one computer station dedicated to children’s learning.

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