Library to upgrade computers, chairs courtesy of ARRA

Thanks to dollars stemming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Waterford Township Public Library will soon be upgrading their computer center equipment and setting up new furniture for patron use.

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program — which was underwritten collaboratively by Michigan State University (MSU), the Michigan Department of Information Technology, Library of Michigan, state and local government agencies, and regional broadband providers in 2009 — helps libraries develop their computer centers, enhance current infrastructure or provide ancillary needs to improve computer areas.

About $7,000 was carved out of the grant’s allocation for the Waterford Township Public Library with a local match of $1,800, according to Library Director Joan Rogers.

“We were awarded these dollars in the first round of the grant and are one of many libraries participating in Michigan,” she said. “MSU offered services to configure computers if need be but we don’t require help with it.”

MSU doled out $895,482 to expand almost 90 existing library computer centers and establish new centers to provide access for people in 15 under-served counties throughout Michigan.

“MSU is proud to be leading this important outreach project,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “This will assist Michigan in extending the benefits of its technology infrastructure. More importantly, it will serve as an economic engine by providing people in under-served areas personal connectivity, networking and myriad educational and economic opportunities.”

The Waterford Public Library received computer equipment once the Leggett library campus closed. Therefore, 36 computers will be enhanced. In addition, 12 youth-sized chairs will be purchased for the children’s department, along with another 30 chairs for the adult section.

Rogers expects the computer enhancements to be configured and deployed by the end of the month; the chairs should be delivered in the near future.