This article was written by Staff Reports @ Demopolis Times

“The Demopolis Public Library received a LSTA grant for library technology and automation. The $7,500 grant has enabled the library to purchase and install 10 iPads for children, teens and adults. The iPad Air 2′s were installed Thursday, Dec. 4, and are available for the public to use inside the library. Each iPad is preloaded with apps and has internet access. Crayon kiosks hold the children’s iPads. The library placed one crayon kiosk on the first floor so children can explore educational apps while their parents use the library’s desktop computers.

Powerful creative tools, interactive books, and apps and content create endless learning opportunities. This project targets preschool, elementary and middle school aged children and their caregivers. The library has added six iPad Air 2′s and two Aridan Books Crayon Kiosk iPad stands for children. These iPads will replace a broken and outdated AWE Early Literacy Station purchased four years ago through an LSTA grant. Children and their caregivers will benefit from educational apps and interactive eBooks that promote early literacy skills. The project also provides four iPad Air 2′s for teen and adult use. These iPads will provide access for teens and adults to check email and have hands-on experience using new technology. The iPads will provide opportunity for recreation through the use of literature, music and other art forms.

“I’m so proud that the library in our small town has the newest iPads,” said Demopolis Middle School student Dalton Sewell. “This is amazing, especially since the iPad Air 2 just came out about a month ago and most people don’t have these yet. Our library is really keeping up with technology.” The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. It is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). State libraries use the funds to support statewide initiatives and also distribute the funds through subgrants or cooperative agreements to public, school, academic, research and special libraries. There is a requirement for a state match, which helps stimulate approximately $3-4 for every federal dollar invested. The library offers Tech Tuesday sessions each week to help adults learn how to use technology one-on-one with a librarian. If anyone is interested in learning more, contact Morgan Allen at (334) 289-1595.”

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Mackenzie Banks and D’Miya Hawkins were the first children to use the new iPads at Demopolis Public Library.