The Nelson Public Library has a solution for anyone with boxes of vinyl records cluttering their home.
Columbia Basin Trust announced Tuesday it will grant the library $85,579 to upgrade its tech services as part of the Community Technology Program.
Moving dusty Kenny Rogers records out of the garage and onto an iPhone is just one of the services that will be available. Any physical documents can be digitized, while a new audio-video recording station will give visitors the option of recording podcasts or videos using a green screen and editing software.
Chief librarian Tracey Therrien said recent public consultation showed a desire for more tech options.
“Technology can help people be creative, [which] in particular was what people were asking for,” she said.
The library will also add 10 new laptops, five iPads, industry standard creative software, access to online training courses and activities for the children’s program, as well as funding to train staff.
Therrien said the upgrades will help Nelson’s library match what other libraries around the province already offer.
“[The Trust] was offering funding for places in the community really to boost that technology, really to boost that offering to community members. So we looked at what other libraries were doing in the province and some larger centres. With this funding we’re able to duplicate that.”
The library was one of nine projects to receive funds totaling $613,535. Libraries in Castlegar, Creston, Nakusp, Fernie, Golden, Kimberley and Revelstoke will add similar tech services.
In Slocan, the W.E. Graham Community Service Society’s Learning Centre will receive $85,985 for a laser engraver, two 3-D printers, robotics kits, a video-conferencing station, learning software and site improvements.
“Through improved technology and programming, we hope to support our community members in enhancing their technology-related skills and ultimately quality of life,” said Learning Centre manager Heather Clouston in a statement.
“This will build skills and engage people in the community in new ways.”
tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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