The East Central Regional Library (ESRL) system was recently awarded two federal Library Services and Technology grants from the Minnesota Department of Education.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program is federally-administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and provides grant funding to states. In Minnesota, the LSTA program is administered by State Library Services.

The ECRL was awarded $68,009.00 for the grant project, "Digital Immigrants." This project will familiarize persons who did not grow up in the digital age with technological devices and concepts. It will provide a series of six hands-on workshops in each of the ECRL branch libraries. Participants will learn basic computer skills and be introduced to a variety of digital devices and technology tools for communication and entertainment including cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and scanners.

Sessions on types of television service (cable or satellite) and the switch to HDTV will also be offered. Following the workshops, participants will be able to sign up to receive an electronic newsletter that will reinforce, expand and encourage further development of the knowledge they gained in each workshop.

The second grant, "Teens 2B Seen @ the Library," was awarded a total of $41,954.00.

The project will create an environment and establish model programs in each of the branches to attract teens to the library and encourage them to return regularly. Grant funds will be used to sponsor activities attractive to teens such as gaming nights, establish teen book clubs and fund speakers. Core teen materials that are popular with teens including graphic novels and award winning teen authors will also be purchased.