Virtual library: Grant will boost services

The Lonesome Pine Regional Library system has received an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant that will enhance virtual services in Norton and the counties of Dickenson, Wise, Lee and Scott.

The grant, more than $208,900, will allow library staff to reach patrons digitally, engage in experiential workshops, chat online and teach digital literacy skills, library Board of Trustees Chair Lu Ellsworth said in a press release. Patrons will have no-cost digital access to services and programs “without compromise of health and safety.”

Library staff will attend library media and education courses offered by the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Mountain Empire Community College will provide Microsoft Office classes. East Tennessee State University will provide Adobe Creative Cloud training and certification courses along with media production and social media boot camps for library staff.

The library system will receive 20 laptops, 10 digital cameras and tripods and supporting equipment. Also, it will acquire several digital resources including a database of children’s e-books and a database of arts and crafts instructional videos.

The funds are part of federal CARES Act funding approved to help address effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lonesome Pine is the only library system in Virginia to receive these funds.

Questions? Contact Julie Short, 328-8325 or visit www.lprlibrary.org.