Bonneville County library receives 20 new laptops

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) - Those who use the Bonneville County library now have a new resource.

On Thursday, the library received 20 new Chromebooks from the Idaho Commission for Libraries Connecting Communities Program.

"Libraries are doing so much more than books these days," State Librarian Stephanie Bailey-White said. "They're(libraries are) really helping keep students learning, adults earning and improving the health and well-being of Idahoans. So these are crucial resources that they can help hand out and distribute and make sure that people have access to those resources that they need."

The Ammon branch of the library opened last October with a small rented building and few resources. They've gained more books and programs through donations and volunteers since then.

Through the digital inclusion program, more people can enjoy the resources the library has to offer.

"We realize there is a big divide between people that know technology and people that don't," Library Director Michelle Tolman said. "We are trying to think of a way to bridge that gap. So having this opportunity through this grant to be able to offer classes is one way that we can reach out to people that maybe have language barriers or economic barriers or they didn't grow up with technology."

Library volunteers plan to provide introductory computer courses, where even people who have never touched a computer before can learn how to use one. They'll also provide classes on how to apply for jobs, use spreadsheets or avoid getting scammed on the internet.

And as the library continues to grow, director Tolman hopes to find other ways the library can serve the community.

"I consider taxpayer dollars a sacred trust," Tolman said. "I want to use every penny to to really serve our our community...that's what it's designed for."

For more information on the Bonneville Public Library or to get a library card, click HERE.