Library recipient of Youth Engagement Grant

Hastings Memorial Library in Grant is the recipient of a Youth Engagement Grant in the amount of $4,000. The grant will allow the library to purchase 12 new Chromebook laptops, a storage/charging cart and software. 

The grant was made possible through a collaborative effort of the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund (PCCFF) and a donor-advised fund at the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF). Half of the money comes from the PCCFF and half from the donor advised fund through the NCF, said Becky Uehling, co-chair of the PCCFF. 

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to add a mobile computer lab to the library’s collection and services,” said Librarian Robin Quinn. “The coding, web building and other STEAM based activities we will be able to provide for our youth population is frankly a game changer.” 

Administered by a donor advised fund through the NCF, application for the Youth Engagement Grant was first made, approved by, and half of the money matched by the local fund, which was done by the PCCFF at its June 11 meeting. From there, the application made its way to Lincoln where it was approved by the donor advised fund that is sponsoring it. 

“The intended benefit of the mobile computer lab will focus on providing technological resources and instruction to our youth,” Quinn said. “These laptops will allow us to expand our existing programs and add new facets that haven’t been possible before, such as coding, web development and writing workshops, regardless of the access to technology the children have at home.” 

“This is a fairly new program and we are so excited that the Perkins County library is one of the first ones to apply and receive the award,” Uehling said. “Our library is indispensable to our community and anytime we can make it stronger is a win for the whole county.” 

Youth Engagement Grants are made in three distinct areas: planning, enhancement and catalyst. According to the guidelines of the grant, community leadership must have been exhibited in the grant application indicating the likely sustainability of impacts attained. 

As Hastings Memorial Library prepares to host a Library Innovation Studio this fall, the grant couldn’t have come at a better time, Quinn said. 

“We plan to have the new computer lab up in time to use in conjunction with the Library Innovation Studio we have coming in November,” Quinn said. “The timing really was perfect.” 

Besides Quinn, the library is led by employees Val Foster and Sarah Pick, Extension Educator Deb Kuenning and volunteer Elisa Francisco. The staff is busy year round offering such programs as the youth summer reading program and the after school program, along with many other community learning opportunities and classes, Quinn said. 

To learn more about the library, their services, or about their upcoming programs, contact them at 308-352-4894. 

 

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel

308-352-4311 (Phone)

PO Box 67
327 Central Ave in Grant
Grant NE 69140