Payson Roundup

Public library patrons in Gila County gain additional access as 28 new laptop computers will be delivered soon to four public libraries within Gila County, including Payson, thanks to a federal grant of $19,960, along with $5,158 in local matching contributions.

The grant is part of “Broadband USA: Connecting America’s Communities,” which will put more than 1,000 new public access computers at 84 libraries throughout Arizona.

The public libraries receiving the computers will contribute $4,990 toward the project, along with an additional $168 in administrative support costs paid by the library district. With help from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, this will fund 28 laptops to expand the availability of computers at the Hayden Public Library, the Payson Public Library, the San Carlos Public Library and the Young Public Library.

Access to higher bandwidth, computers, e-resources and training will significantly enhance the library’s mission to provide access to informational, educational and recreational resources.

The public access computers will be used for homework help, job- and career-related training, re-careering and small-business development, according to the release.