We’re excited to announce that the Norris Community Library has received two grants for the 24/25 fiscal year. The first grant was awarded by the Norris Area Community Foundation and the East Tennessee in the amount of $3000. the second grant was awarded by the Tennessee State Library and Archives in the amount of $1341.
East Tennessee Foundation and the Norris Area Community Foundation Grant
The Norris Area Community Foundation and the East Tennessee Foundation has awarded the Norris Community Library $3000 to fund the purchase of two virtual reality headsets (with software) and a collection of 3D pens. The VR headsets will be used in programming in library and at local area senior living facilities during programs designed to “Bring the outside world in”. The library hopes to provide activites related to technology, art, low impact physical activity, and more with the use of these VR headsets.
The 3D pens will be used in youth STEAM programming with one pens available for check out. We hope to gets kids excited about creating and problem solving. The 3D pens will be part of the library’s continuing Library of Things.
Training Opportunities for the Public Grant from the Tennessee State Library and Archives
(Submitted)
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Rep. Ed Butler, Rep. John Ragan, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced a $1,341 Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant award for Norris Community Library. The funds will be used to help cover the cost of Wi-Fi hotspots.
“Libraries are community cornerstones, and they offer essential services and support to all citizens,” said Lt Gov. Randy McNally. “This grant will help Norris Community Library continue to thrive and evolve so it can address emerging needs within our community.” TOP Grants are funded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and are administered through the Secretary of State’s office.
“These funds will bolster Norris Community Library’s ability to serve the public effectively,” said Rep. Butler and Rep. Ragan in a joint statement. “Libraries are vital to the intellectual development of our communities, and this investment ensures our facility remains a center of learning and engagement in Anderson County for years to come.”
TOP grant funding is available for Tennessee public libraries to address unique needs within their communities. Grants can be used for digital literacy training, hotspots, solar charging stations, and increased internet access at the library facility. “Thank you to Lt. Gov. McNally, Rep. Butler, and Rep. Ragan for their continued advocacy and support of local libraries. They know that increasing access to technological services for Tennesseans is an important function of our local libraries,” said Secretary Hargett. “This grant enhances efforts to better address the needs of library patrons in the community this facility serves.”
This year, more than $394,000 in TOP Grant funding is being awarded to increase access to technology at 60 public libraries across Tennessee.
To learn more about grants for public libraries administered by the Library & Archives, visit https://sos.tn.gov/tsla.
**Please note that as part of the grant requirements for the TOP Grant no wi-fi hotspot fee will be charged during check out for the duration of the grant period (ending July 1st, 2025).**
Ask about any of these services provided by your local library!
