While the Hartford Public Library has served thousands of families in Southwest Michigan for 65 years, their technology was outdated and in need of considerable upgrades. That’s when the American Electric Power Foundation stepped into the picture with an $80,000 grant to create a new computer lab for the library to help community members of all ages reach their educational goals.
The AEP Foundation, on behalf of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), recently donated $80,000 to bring state-of-the-art technology to the community of Hartford.
The donation has been used to create a 20 station computer lab for children and adults inside the Art and Bonna Vanderlyn Community Center, which is now home to The Hartford Public Library. The new computer lab contains smart boards, computers, tablets and a 3D printer for patrons to take online classes, build resumes, apply for jobs, homework and other research endeavors.
Stephanie Daniels, Hartford Public Library Director, says, “The Hartford Library is more than just books, and this generous donation from the AEP Foundation will help cultivate more opportunities for our patrons and community,” and adds, “We want to empower individuals and families with free access to a number of services and resources in a safe environment and the addition of computers, tablets and even a 3-D printer will help us achieve that mission.”
The computer lab provides educational resources to more than 10,000 people who live within 5-miles of the new community center. On average, The Hartford Public Library records 50,000 visitors per year.
Lesley Odom, I&M Community Affairs Manager, says, “This new technology encourages innovation and creativity among children and adults,” while adding, “The AEP Foundation and I&M believe education is the foundation for brighter futures for our communities where our employees and their families live, work, shop, and go to school. Tomorrow’s visionaries rely on us and this new technology makes education accessible to the greater Hartford community.”
Additionally, the new technology is being used to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) courses. The new computers are also helping the Children’s Literacy program to help at-risk children learn critical basic skills before starting pre-school or kindergarten.
I&M encourages local businesses, non-profits and Hartford residents to support the Hartford Public Library. For more information you can visit online at: http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org
Hartford Public Library provides free resources that inspire reading, guide learning, and encourage individual exploration. The library serves the people of City of Hartford, all of Hartford Township and the Hartford School District, as well as their principal funders and customers. Director Daniels says, “We are in and of the community, a place like no other. We are a gateway for immigrants and refugees, an early literacy center for preschoolers, a wifi hot spot and business office for area workers, an exhibit space for artists, a technology resource for residents and visitors, a lender of books and other educational and entertaining materials, a training center for the development of new skills, the repository of Hartford’s history and a gathering place for people to relax, explore, learn, and grow.”
Shown in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market are, (left to right) Stephanie Daniels, Hartford Public Library Director and Lesley Odom, I&M Community Affairs Manager.
