Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Chilton/Clanton Public Library is about to get some computer upgrades, thanks to a grant from the Alabama Public Library Service.

Library Director Bernadette Roche said the grant was for $4,200, including a required local match of $1,050.

“It is good news for the library and for the community,” Roche said.

She said the upgrades will provide more convenience to those who come to the library.

The funds will be used to replace the library’s computer server, replace three older public use computers, purchase two computers exclusively for card catalogue searches, replace the circulation desk computer and a staff computer.

“We have a significant high use of our computers searching for employment,” Roche said.

Email, school work and general internet connection are also common reasons people come to the library to use the computers.

Roche said the library also proctors tests for students of online universities.

The paperwork should be completed in the next few weeks for the library to purchase the equipment, then it will receive reimbursement from the Alabama Public Library Service.

“It is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity,” Roche said.

The grant was one former Library Director Savannah Kitchens had applied for before she took a job at the library in Montevallo.

“She did a great job,” Roche said, “We are really excited (about the upgrades).”

Roche said she plans to apply for the grant on an annual basis.

The grants are competitive and potential amounts are determined by available funding.