The Roanoke Rapids Public Library has been awarded a $9,000 grant to be used for two children’s touchscreen computers to serve toddlers and school-age children.  

This new technology is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. 

These federal funds are investments that help libraries deliver relevant and up-to-date services for their communities. 

At Roanoke Rapids Public Library, the SLNC Adapts LSTA grant will provide funding for two children’s computers that have educational software and games in both English and Spanish.   Library Director Leigh Ann Brodsky said, “Children in the Roanoke Valley community deserve to have quality, modern technology that will help ready them for elementary school and beyond.”

Roanoke Rapids Public Library received one of the 45 competitive grants for SLNC Adapts grants awarded to North Carolina libraries. 

The State Library of North Carolina received funds as part of the federal government’s investment in museums and libraries through the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided additional funds to the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support vital library programs and services in local communities.  

The LSTA grant program administered by the State Library of North Carolina funds library projects across the state that advance excellence and promote equity by strengthening capacity, expanding access, and community engagement in North Carolina’s libraries. 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. 

The institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. Through the LSTA Grants to States program, IMLS provides funds to State Library agencies using a population-based formula. 

State libraries may use the appropriation to support statewide initiatives and services; they may also distribute the funds through competitive subgrants to public and academic libraries.  

To learn more about the Institute, visit this link

For more information about North Carolina’s LSTA program visit the State Library of North Carolina’s LSTA web page at this link