Cocke County Libraries To Receive Grants
A couple Cocke County libraries will be getting some assistance in the form of funding from the state of Tennessee. Tuesday, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Sen. Steve Southerland, and State Rep. Jeremy Faison announced $12,230 in a TOP grant…or…Training Opportunities for the Public Grant funding for libraries in Cocke County.
Specifically, Parrottsville Community Library will receive $7,575 to help cover the cost of digital literacy instructors, Wi-Fi hotspots, and internal internet connections. Additionally, $4,655 in funding has been awarded to Stokely Memorial Library in Newport for assistance with digital literacy instruction and upgrades to Wi-Fi hotspots.
Rep. Faison said in a statement “The role our public libraries play in shaping outcomes within our community and across Tennessee cannot be overstated. These grants will enhance essential programs and resources that enrich the lives of all Cocke County Residents.”
TOP Grants are funded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and are administered by the Secretary of State’s office. Resources provided through TOP Grants include digital literacy training, hotspots, solar charging stations and increased internet access at a library facility. This year, over $291,000 in TOP Grant funding is being awarded to increase access to technology at 54 public libraries across Tennessee.