Broadband Stimulus Grant at Work in Carson City
 

Carson City Library Director Sara Jones announces the opening of the Carson City Library’s second floor Digital Media Learning Center, @Two.

On Tuesday morning several community supporters and business interests attended a brief tour of @Two’s resources. Those in attendance included Miya Mackenzie, representing the Hop and Mae Adams Foundation; Ron Swirczek, Carson City School District Trustee; @Two Clinic Coaches David Allen and Garrett Wasser of Reno’s Solstice Studios a local audio engineering and recording company and Tara Burke, owner of Computer Artistry a local graphic design firm. Leading the meeting were Library Director Sara Jones; Technology Trainer Sena Loyd and Tammy Westergard, Carson City Library’s Deputy Director.

The Carson City Library is positioned to help bridge the area’s digital divide for citizens needing ready access to technology tools and the internet. @Two provides free online access and a wide range of training opportunities.

“The @Two Digital Learning Center programs can help create a pathway to help the community connect online with family and friends; understand and use Google; master basic computer skills with how-to-instruction in groups and one-on-one; protect digital information and identity; print; manage online transactions, files and personal finance; search the internet for credible information; use email; make websites and much more,” says Loyd. “Studies have shown that the effects of bridging the digital divide not only support basic digital literacy but also promote further development of skills.”

The @Two Digital Learning Center features an Adult Computer Lab, Advanced Macs and PC’s, a Media Lab, Collaboration Room, Conversion Station and Digital Equipment Checkout.  Patrons in good-standing who wish to access @ Two with a Premiere Library Card will need to visit the Library Card Desk.

Qualifying patrons, who are free of fees, overdue or late items, and sign the Carson City Library Premier Card Agreement and have a valid photo ID, will have access to the advanced technology. Users may continue to access library computers @Two, on Express computers and the Youth Stations. In addition, teens in high school, age 14 to 17 years old, may access the @ Two Teen Portal, as well as the above mentioned equipment, with a signed agreement from themselves and a parent or legal guardian. 

The overarching mission is to connect and equip schools, business, families and the community to deliver high quality learning opportunities that enrich time spent in school, strengthen after-school programs and/or support self-directed adult learning. @Two learning clinics are designed to provide a starting point especially for classroom teachers who would like to partner with the library in building a customized enrichment for their students, as well as extracurricular clinics for interested learners of every age.

“For our part we want to help youth have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, especially through music. These kinds of programs have been all but cut from the regular school day and this library program is a tremendous opportunity for us to share our skills and open a creativity portal for people who have the passion but don’t really have access,” said Solstice Studio founder David Allen. “Creating a digital object whether it’s a song, a logo, a poster, or any number of graphic elements is something that is increasingly evident in today’s communication channels, both professional and personal. I’m thrilled to be a part of this and look forward to sharing my skill set that is a part of the multi-media world,” said graphic designer and owner of Computer Artistry, Tara Burke.

“This space and resources are already making valuable contributions to our community and will play an integral role in helping the Carson City School District implement its strategic plan. The plan, which is the nucleus of the District’s recently won $10million “Race to the Top” Federal grant, relies on community partners like the public library in order to help create project-based learning enrichment experiences,” said Carson City School District Trustee, Ron Swirczek. “Librarian-educators have tremendous technology skills, experience and many the heart of a teacher. This is a great fit for our youth,” continued Swirczek.

@Two is funded by a Federal stimulus grant, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the library began deployment of BTOP resources three years ago with the opening of the Business Resource Innovation Center (the BRIC), the library’s business branch located at 108 E. Proctor St. At this location information professionals and resources focused on business, computers and meeting spaces are available to the business community. The opening of the digital media lab is the final phase in delivery of the grant program’s resources and has added approximately 50 more computer stations, another training room space fully equipped with audio/visual technology and digital media production tools.

A partnership with the State Library and Archives, Cooperative Libraries Automated Network (CLAN) through the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act broadband funding, and for Carson City’s portion a matching grant from the Hop and Mae Adams Foundation, are @Two’s funding sources. For more information please visit www.carsoncitylibrary.org and click the @Two logo link from the homepage. Go here for the Facebook page. The introductory video was produced by @Two librarians.

About The Broadband Stimulus Grant @ Work for Carson City

— 34 Nevada libraries, serving 366,733 Nevadans
— $1.1 million to Nevada from Federal funding for broadband public computing centers
— $569,999 to Carson City Library
— 105 new computers over three years added to current inventory for a total of 125 by 2013
— 2 fully equipped meeting rooms with technology including SmartBoards, laptop stations, audio/visual – BRIC meeting room and technology open since late 2010
— 2 full time positions
— Business focused librarian
— Technology trainer
— The Hop and Mae Adams Foundation provided a cash match of $162,658 to make the total resources available for the project $569,999
— The largest single use of the award is for the two employee positions and will amount to a total of $287,808
— The second largest expense is computers, computing devises, digital media equipment, software and peripheral devices; at the end of the grant this amount will total $188,499. All equipment is moveable.
— Furniture totals $41,194, and it is all modular and can be moved or reconfigured
— Online resources amount to $58,725 over the life of the grant
— Electrical wiring upgrades in the 30-year old building amounts to $9,508
— Paint, window coverings and carpet cost $11,265
— No additional City general funds or other local public funding sources have been or are committed to the project

Photo caption: The Reno business Solstice Recording is partnering with the @Two digital technology lab at the Carson City Library to mentor kids interested in learning about the musical recording industry. Owners Garrett and David were on hand today to talk with other community and school district supporters for the photo of the day.
Photo by Cathleen Allison / Nevada Photo Source