A public library in a small Wisconsin town has been awarded a $3.9 million state grant to build a new building that will include a high-speed Internet connection.
The New London Public Library will use the grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration to convert the former First State Bank building into 26,000 square feet of space that will include six classrooms, a science lab, and three computer labs with 30 desktop computers, reports the Wisconsin State Journal.
"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," said Wisconsin Gov.
Tony Evers, who announced the grant last week.
The library will also feature a technology area where patrons will learn about CNC machining, laser cutting, and woodworking, reports the New London Times.
"Our vision for the future of the library is to be a resource and technology center for the community and surrounding areas to come gather, learn, connect, create and make, instead of merely coming in to check out items," says library director Ann Hunt.
"The new library with its meeting spaces, teen room, children's interactive play area, telehealth room, and STEAM area will provide the spaces to allow those things to
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