The Dunklin County Library at Kennett received 10 new computers and one network printer as part of a recent grant awarded to the library from the Secretary of State's office. In all, the library received 27 computers for its various branches. [Click to enlarge]

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan recently announced that the Dunklin County Library received a Missouri State Library Technology Mini Grant in the amount of $19,000.

"Missourians are blessed to have a strong network of local public libraries throughout the state," Carnahan said. "Strong local libraries provide citizens with access to vast new resources and information right in their own communities," she continued.

According to Jonell Minton, the library director, the library contributed an additional $7,700 and, with both amounts, "was able to purchase 27 computers and one network printer, replacing several public use computers that were at least six years old and had become obsolete."

Minton said that every branch in the library system has benefitted from these funds. Most of the branch libraries, she said, received two new computers and had existing computers reconditioned.

She said the distribution of new computers was as follows: Kennett received 10 computers and one network printer; Malden received four computers; Cardwell received two computers; Senath received two computers; Holcomb received two computers; Hornersville received two computers; Campbell received two computers; Clarkton received two computers; and, Arbyrd received one computers.

Carnhan said, "I'm pleased that this federal grant funding will help support the Dunklin County Library and provide library patrons even better services and programs."

"We have been fortunate in receiving grants from the state," Minton said. "This is the second large technology upgrade that state grants have helped us fund and it is definitely worthwhile to go through the process of writing grant proposals and staying current with the opportunities the Secretary of State's office offers."

The Library Services and Technology Act through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services funds the Secretary of State's Missouri State Library Technology Mini Grants.

To date, during this fiscal year, the Missouri State Library has approved a total of 143 grant applications and has distributed $1,336,535 in awards to libraries.