Chinook Arch grant boosts technology at local libraries

Chinook Arch noted that both the Picture Butte Municipal Library and Raymond Public Library have chosen new technology purchased through the Chinook Arch IT department. Picture Butte will receive three Google Chromebooks, while Raymond has requested a new PC with peripherals.

Cheryl Garratt, manager at the Picture Butte Municipal Library, said the Chromebooks will be upgraded with hot spots and loaned to library patrons.

“Our small town and the surrounding rural community is home to many people who can’t afford computers and internet access. Internet access is especially important during this time of restrictions and will continue to be a necessity in the future.”

Faye Geddes, manager at the Raymond Library said they’ll be using the grant to replace an old computer workstation for circulation.

“Keeping our circulation computers up to date helps us serve the community by having a computer that is reliable and quick for checking books out.”

The libraries in Coaldale, Glenwood, Magrath, and Nanton accepted the $1,500 grant with differing plans on how they will use the funding.

The Coaldale Public Library will use the grant to purchase materials for their story walk trails and use the balance towards their Wi-Fi Hotspot service. Manager Dothlyn McFarlane said, “we continually look for new ways to promote the library in our community and we are excited about the story walk trails.”

“We also know that internet access is more important than ever and our Hotspot service provides residents the opportunity to take part in education, entertainment, and other activities.”

Manager of the Glenwood Municipal Library, Nikki Francis, noted that they’ve decided to purchase a new loveseat and chairs with the grant.

“The ones we have are pretty old and grungy. We hope with these, people will want to spend a little more time relaxing in the library, once we are open to the public again.”

For the Magrath Public Library, the grant will be used for new displays for shelving.

Manager Stephanie Humphreys said, “our library has needed something to create attractive displays for the adults in the community, and these will help us create displays that are independent of the children’s areas.”

“We feel this is important because our location in the school can sometimes feel like it only caters to the children, but we are doing all we can to change that perception.”

The Nanton Thelma Fanning Library has expanded its programming area to offer wide-ranging public presentations. With the $1,500 grant, they are planning to purchase a PA system to deliver more professional staging and offer better sound quality.

Manager Gloria McGowan stated that, “this grant will allow us to host presentations and musical events in a well-planned venue, comfortable for the attendees and presenters, and we feel that this purchase will greatly enhance the over-all enjoyment for everyone in attendance.”

“The community has been very supportive of the library and in the past, programs were well attended. I believe, with the improvements we have made, they will be even more popular.”

More on the Chinook Arch Regional Library System is available here. A full list of member libraries is here.

by Justin Goulet

Chinook Arch grant boosts technology at local libraries

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