Technology learning is expanding across Whitman County thanks to a recent grant award of $15,000 from The Innovia Foundation, formerly known as Inland Northwest Community Foundation. The Foundation granted the funds to Whitman County Library (WCL) for the purchase of technology equipment and the expansion of programs for all ages in branch libraries, local schools and various locations served by the library district.
Last year, WCL averaged 50 STEM programs every week serving thousands of participants. These ranged from assisting people with downloading free ebooks to teaching software coding in school classrooms. Unfortunately, the library did not have enough equipment or staffing to meet the public’s demands. Innovia has plugged the funding gap, allowing for increased programming in the coming year.
Grant funds are being used to purchase a variety of equipment including a 3D printer, Makey Makey kits, K’NEX Engineering kits, and Little Bits circuit sets. Most exciting is that current staffing will be increased for the coming year allowing for more classes and individual assistance to be provided countywide.
Since 1974, Innovia has granted more than $42 million dollars to our 20-county region with a mission of fostering vibrant and sustainable communities. Included in these efforts was support for library renovation projects in Endicott, Colfax and Uniontown.
If you reside within Whitman County Library District and are interested in library technology classes or simply need one-on-one assistance with your technology questions, contact James or Nichole at 509-397-4366 for more information.
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