$11K in grants awarded to Washington County, TN libraries

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Public Library and Washington County Library have been awarded a combined $11,198 in grant funding.

According to a news release from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Northeast Tennessee state lawmakers, the libraries will receive Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grants.

The Johnson City Public Library will receive $6,858, which will help pay fo internal internet connections. The Washington County Library will be given a $4,340 grant to support digital literacy instructors and pay for more Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development funds the TOP Grants, which are then administered through Hargett’s office.

“Digital literacy and technological upgrades at our local libraries will improve productivity and the overall quality of life for residents in Washington County,” said State Sen. Rusty Crowe. “This grant award provides additional resources to help our libraries meet the growing demands within our community.”

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of our community,” said State Rep. Rebecca Alexander and State Rep. Tim Hicks in a joint statement. “We congratulate the libraries on receiving this funding and look forward to the positive results these additional resources and training will have.”

Access to technology at 60 public libraries across the state has been improved thanks to the more than $394,000 in TOP Grants awarded in 2024 alone.

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