Lenora, KS – November 4, 2024 – The Lenora Public Library is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Community Grant Program. This generous grant will be used to upgrade the library’s computer systems, enhancing the digital resources available to the community.

The check presentation took place on November 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the library’s efforts to provide state-of-the-art technology and services to its patrons. The grant will enable the library to purchase new computers, ensuring that residents have access to the latest technology for education, research, and personal use.

As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, FRS offers aid to communities served by NTCA members through its annual Community Grant Program. These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. Applications for these grants are accepted each spring, ranging from $250 to $5,000. The grants awarded each November support a variety of projects concentrated in four major categories: business and economic development, community development, education, and telecommunications applications.

FRS provides priority to projects that could be fully funded by the grant maximum of $5,000 or have at least 75% of the project currently funded. They also focus on technology and broadband-enabled projects, those with a long-term impact on the community and its residents, projects that promote community participation and engagement, and initiatives that create a more sustainable rural community.

The Lenora Public Library seeks a $5,000 FRS Community Grant to replace its aging computer systems with modern, efficient technology, ensuring a more reliable and user-friendly experience for the members of our community. Our goal is to upgrade the library’s computer technology and fully utilize our fiber connection, generously donated by Nex-Tech, our local telecommunications provider. This upgrade will ensure our library continues to be a hub for knowledge while ensuring continued access to essential resources for the community. As a library, we have a relationship with the community and a long history of providing knowledge to our patrons, whether it be in the form of books or technology. Our library has provided access to computers for many years, and we would like to continue this service for our community. We are currently working with the Friend of the Library group to cover the potential gap if we are awarded a $5,000 grant from the FRS Community Grant.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from FRS,” said Julie Peterson, President, of the Lenora Public Library. “This funding will significantly enhance our ability to serve the community by providing updated technology and resources. We are grateful for the support from FRS and Nex-Tech, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our patrons.”

Nex-Tech is proud to support the Lenora Public Library in its efforts to secure this grant. The library was able to submit their application for the grant because they are in a community served by Nex-Tech, a NTCA member.

The Lenora Public Library is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and learning in the community. With the new computer systems, the library will be better equipped to offer a wide range of digital services, including internet access, educational programs, and more.