By Scott Harvey
– A nearly $8 million grant awarded to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission will benefit five area libraries.
The grant, from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, also includes a $3.7 million match from the commission.
Libraries in Greenville, Honey Grove, Sachse, Winnsboro and Wylie will collectively receive nearly $110,000. 38 libraries statewide will receive funding.
The funds will allow underserved Texans access to new educational and economic opportunities through computer upgrades, increased computer access and connection speeds.
An estimated 67 percent of Texans have access to a computer only through their local library for things like online learning and job hunting.
Officials hope the grant helps close the digital divide so all residents can learn, work and prosper and in turn lower the unemployment rate and poverty level, plus increase the percentage of high school graduates.
Local libraries to receive funding:
W Walworth Harrison Public Library; Greenville: $13,199
Bertha Voyer Memorial Library; Honey Grove: $33,015
Sachse Public Library; Sachse: $10,450
Gilbreath Memorial Library; Winnsboro: $10,690
Rita & Truett Smith Public Library; Wylie: $43,170