The Linden Public Library is excited to announce that it has been chosen as one of the recipients of a mini-grant funded through the New Jersey State Library (NJSL).
Officials said the award of $24,980 will allow the library to update and expand the public computers located on the second floor.
The timeline for installation begins on Tuesday, January 11, and will continue for approximately two weeks.
Little to no interruption to the access to the public computers is anticipated.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for New Jersey Public Libraries (ARPA) was developed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help libraries respond directly and immediately to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as address related economic and community needs through equitable approaches.
“During these unprecedented times, so many people in our community have lost one or more of their jobs resulting in the need not only to search for jobs but also improve on or learn new skills.
It’s important that they have access to computers that can meet the demands of today’s technology,” Dennis Purves, Director of Linden Public Library, said.
“The City of Linden and ConocoPhillips were very generous seven years ago, getting us additional funding to upgrade our then 12-year-old public computers.
Unfortunately, technology moves faster than the library’s budget allows to keep up with, which is why we actively search for alternate funding that won’t burden our city,” Mr. Purves continued.
In trying to work most effectively within the $25,000 maximum allowed under this mini-grant, the library chose to purchase mid-range Dell Optiplex 3280 All-in-Ones with the plan to keep the current accessories now in use in order to save money.
This allowed extra funds to expand the number of public computers currently in use.
Although the library was notified in August of 2021 that they were awarded the grant, the computers have only made their way to New Jersey this month due to supply chain and shipping backlogs.