Chester and Sparta libraries receive grants

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded FY09 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants totaling $3.19 million to 106 of Illinois academic, public school and special libraries and regional library systems.

"It is always a pleasure to award LSTA grants each year because these funds reward libraries for being creative and innovative," White said. "I congratulate all of our grant recipients for their hard work and creativity in seeking to address their patrons needs."

LSTA grants are designed so that librarians can identify specific local needs and use these funds to address those needs. They help provide libraries with some of the financial resources they need to remain Illinois most reliable sources for information. Over the last ten years, LSTA grants have produced hundreds of worthwhile new programs in Illinois libraries, library systems and museums with libraries.

Chester Public Library received $12,885.00 from the "Public Access Lap-tops" grant.

Ten laptop computers will be purchased and used as new public access workstations and to instruct a variety of programs in our meeting room. A retired computer instructor has volunteered to present Internet programs, a local home school group will use them for research and instruction, and library staff will present library related programs. The Chester Public Library has Wi-Fi access for patrons with their own laptops, but no Wi-Fi compatible computers on site. The staff is excited about the new opportunities these laptops will provide for our patrons.

Sparta Public Library receives $10,900.00 from the "Information Express: Connecting People to Information Using Technology NOW!" grant.

Modern-day library users share many common needs; especially, their need for information fast. The purpose of the "Information Express" is to meet patron's information demands by offering two quick access service centers with current technology. The first service center, an information island, will allow users walk-up access at one of two computers using touch pad screens. The second access center, an information concierge, will be staffed with library personnel. Using current technology, the staff member at the concierge desk will be able to answer directional questions, customize on-line help, and provide basic computer training.