NEW communities receive grants for library technology

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – Seven communities in Northeast Wisconsin will receive a part of over $115 million in grants to improve or build libraries, community centers, and multi-purpose community facilities. The grants will fund library technology upgrades. The awards range from just under $2 million to 4 and a quarter million dollars.

Governor Tony Ever’s announced the Wisconsin Department of Administration grants through the Flexible Facilities Program which is funded through the US Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund. That fund is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act.

The grants will go toward funding projects designed to provide reliable broadband access to local communities.

“We’re working to build the 21st-century infrastructure and workforce Wisconsin needs to meet the demands of the 21st Century, including expanding access to high-speed internet,” Evers said in a press release. “Every Wisconsinite should have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, and these investments will help build upon our work to close the digital divide, especially in our rural areas and communities.”

“Access to reliable internet is a necessity for Wisconsinites across the state to attend school, make doctor appointments, manage their farms, and run their businesses,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin). “I’m thrilled to work with state and local partners to expand internet access in our communities, level the playing field, and ensure everyone in Wisconsin has the opportunity to thrive.”

The following communities were awarded library technology grant funding in Northeast Wisconsin: 

Brown County | $4,025,691

The funds will assist with building renovations to create the Denmark Community Center and Library, which will benefit over 6,000 individuals who have been without a public library or community center since its closure in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The newly renovated facility will provide services to those without reliable or affordable home internet and individuals needing training and support in navigating job searches, online education, and telemedicine access. 

The construction will include building two classrooms, four multi-purpose spaces, and a mobile computer lab featuring ten laptops. 

The project will include access to free internet, technology training, employment assistance, educational programs, and health and wellness services through county partners and non-profit organizations.

Fremont | $4,250,000

Funding will assist with the construction of a tri-county public library and community center, which will benefit over 2,100 individuals, including low-income families, seniors, and youth. 

Funding will go towards building a library and community center space with three telemedicine rooms, a senior center, and a computer lab with ten desktop computers. The project will invest in flexible spaces that enable remote access to work, education and health monitoring, and will include study rooms, a dedicated teen space, a STEM space, and a safe indoor children’s play area.

New London | $3,900,000

Funding will assist with public library technology renovations and improvements, which will benefit over 15,000 individuals, including those who are of lower socioeconomic status, disabled, and elderly. 

Funding will go towards the expansion of an existing library space to include six classrooms, a science lab, and three computer labs with 30 desktop computers. With project funding, the library will have increased broadband speed and technology that will address digital equity gaps and improve spaces, services, and materials, enhancing work, education, and healthcare monitoring.

Ripon | $1,985,000

Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 7,600 individuals, including residents living below the poverty line, elderly residents, people with disabilities, minority groups, and those without access to high-speed internet.

Funding will go towards expanding the existing library through the addition of telemedicine rooms, computer labs, and a large multi-purpose space. With project funding, the library will have dynamic available spaces for patrons to use for work, including online interviews and meetings, education, including online classes and exams, and healthcare monitoring, including telehealth appointments.

Shawano | $4,250,000

Funding will assist with the expansion of a multi-purpose recreation center, which will benefit over 9,200 individuals, including those lacking modern infrastructure and high-quality broadband internet. 

Funding will go towards renovating a multi-purpose community facility with a computer lab, a classroom, and two telemedicine rooms. The project aims to bridge digital access gaps by upgrading the facility to create electronic devices available for public use.

Waupaca | $4,165,225

Funding will assist with the expansion of a community center, which will benefit over 4,500 individuals, including senior citizens, low to moderate-income households, and persons with disabilities. 

Funding will go towards renovating the existing community center with two classrooms, two telemedicine rooms, and a computer lab with 16 desktop computers. Additionally, this project aims to install high-speed internet, a gymnasium, and a career center and lab to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.

Wautoma | $4,250,000

Funding will assist with the construction of a new YMCA for the Waushara County area, which will benefit over 3,200 individuals, including low-income families, elderly individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and underserved youth. 

Funding will go towards building a new community center with a wellness center, a community lounge, and five classrooms with 25 laptop computers. The project will address critical community needs by providing a versatile space for activities and integrating cutting-edge digital connectivity equipment to support work, education, and healthcare monitoring in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

See the complete listing of grants here.