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Macon Public Library System Receives TOP Grant


Secretary of State Tre Hargett visited Lafayette on Thursday, October 6th, and presented the Macon County Public Library System with a Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) grant for $6,920.00.

Hargett congratulated Lafayette Librarian Dana Richardson and several library board members who were on hand for the presentation, along with State Representative Kelly Keisling and Macon County Mayor Steve Jones who also attended.

According to Richardson, the TOP grant allows the library to pay an instructor to teach computer classes at both the Macon County Public Library and the Red Boiling Springs Branch Library. “Patrons who are wanting one-on-one computer instruction, need assistance learning to navigate a new device: iPhone, Android Phone, Tablet, Kindle, Nook, etc. – we’re here to help them learn,” said Richardson. “Need to use Microsoft Office or Google Drive and not sure what to do? An instructor can assist thanks to the State TOP Grant.

“The grant also covers a portion of the month-to-month expense for the Hot Spot (Jetpack) service,” Richardson continued. “A Hot Spot (Jetpack) is a device that uses cellular data to provide internet access. This device allows patrons to connect to the internet from anywhere a cellular signal is available. There are 3 Hot Spots for lending at the Macon County Public Library and 2 at the RBS Branch Library. A patron must be in good standing and must be eighteen or older to borrow a Hot Spot. Hot Spots are lendable for 7 days and must be returned to the staff at the circulation desk at the library the Hot Spot was borrowed from.

“The Macon County Public Library System is very thankful for the TOP Grant that is provided by the Secretary of State, Tre Hargett’s office. We could not offer these valuable services without it!”