Library has tablets, hotspots available for checkout

RITZVILLE – East Adams Library District was selected to receive $5,450 in grant funds to advance digital equity and provide outreach support, the Washington State Library recently announced.

The funding, provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be used by the library to provide hotspots and tablets for patrons.

The funding will also be used to install a Story Walk for families along the Ritzville Walking Path, in partnership with the City of Ritzville.

Part of the funds were also used to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies, in order to be prepared when the library is allowed to reopen to the public.

This funding is in addition to the $2,575 in grants the library received from the Innovia Foundation to purchase additional hotspots and a portable printer for patron use, as well as additional PPE supplies.

“The communities we serve will benefit tremendously from this funding, and we look forward to implementing new services and expanding our existing resources to support digital equity for all our patrons,” Director Kylie Fullmer said.

Five tablets are already available for checkout and can be picked up through curbside pickup at the Ritzville branch weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fullmer said hotspots will be available soon for checkout also.

The Washington State Library received the funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Congress provided the federal agency a total of $50 million in the CARES Act last March to distribute to states and territories.

Crosby Kemper III, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services said not only has COVID-19 created a public health emergency, but also a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that libraries and museums are designed to provide.

“Access to, and use of, all kinds of health, job, government, educational and community resources are necessary to weathering the current situation, beginning efforts to reopen, and sustaining our institutions,” Kemper said.

For more information or to reserve a tablet, contact the library at 509 659 1222 or [email protected].