Stimulus grant means BIG benefits for Pinal County libraries

PINAL COUNTY, AZ - Nine libraries in Pinal County will receive new computers with money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The grant is part of "Broadband USA: Connecting America's Communities," which will put more than 1,000 new public access computers at 84 libraries throughout Arizona.

The 165 desktops and laptops for Pinal County libraries were also made possible with help from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records.

The computers will help with skill development, job searches and training.

Pinal County was given a total of $158,400 in federal money. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors also authorized a matching contribution of $39,600 and an additional $1,333 in administrative support.

"This project is an investment toward the future prosperity of the county," said Pinal County Library Director Denise Keller. "Our residents will have access to the latest technology to help them in job searches, online training opportunities, distance learning programs, research and more. It's a proven fact that when the economy starts sliding, library usage goes up. We will be equipping people with the tools they need to succeed as the economy starts recovering."

The project will expand the availability of computers in the Florence, Mammoth, Apache Junction, Maricopa, Kearny, Eloy, San Manuel, Arizona City and Coolidge public libraries.

When passed by President Barack Obama, the ARRA specifically emphasized opportunities to extend the reach of modern technology and broadband access to enable economic recovery.