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November 23, 2002

Hall Library System gets grants totalling $45,000

From: Access North Georgia, GA
Nov. 23, 2002

By Derreck Booth

GAINESVILLE - The Hall County Library system has received federal grants totalling $45,000 through the Library Services and Technology Act.

The System was one of 10 of Georgia’s public library systems to receive grants to improve services for patrons with special needs.

The $25,000 grant will be used to purchase sign language software, special lap top computers, closed caption and described videos in Spanish and English, and large print books in Spanish. In addition, special seating for those patrons who have difficulty using standard seating will also be purchased. The new materials and equipment will be placed at the East Hall Branch and Special Needs Library in Rabbittown.

Several community partners supported and gave direction for the grant. They include the Greater Hall County Area Chapter of the Visually Impaired, Access Center for Independent Living, and El Puente/The Bridge.

In the second grant, the Hall County System was one of 11 of Georgia’s public library systems to get a grant to improve resource sharing.

The $20,000 grant will be used to make accessible a collection of over 500 historical photographs from Hall County’s African-American community through the library website.

The Hall County Black History Committee will assist in making the collection available to the public. The committee is a newly formed organization whose mission is to identify, preserve, and collect the heritage and history of the Hall County black community.

With the help of the library, the Hall County Black History Committee will digitize and index the history photographs. They will also assist with other library projects.

Both grants are administered at the national level by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Copyright 2002 AccessNorthGa.com/WDUN.