200 new computers ready for use at Henderson Libraries

Computers allow district to increase its public computing abilities by 20 percent

HENDERSON, Nev. Last August, Henderson Libraries was awarded a $180,589 grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to help the district purchase 200 computers, which will be dispersed throughout Henderson Libraries’ six libraries.

The computers’ arrival is excellent timing, as free computer use is in demand in Clark County as layoffs continue and Nevada’s unemployment rate hovers at around 12.9 percent.

“Today, almost everything is done electronically,” said Gayle Hornaday, assistant director for Henderson Libraries. “Having access to a computer is critical – especially if you’re looking for a job. With the addition of these computers, we’ll be able to better serve the community.”

Despite the district’s reduced hours of operation and staff hours, incurred as a result of budget cuts, the 200 computers will increase public computing at Henderson Libraries by 20 percent, providing increased access to computers and computer classes.

The branches also received low vision assistance software and keyboards, which is now available at the Malcolm, GreenValley, Paseo Verde and Gibson locations. The remainder of the overall grant was awarded to the Cooperative Libraries Automated Network in Northern Nevada, the Nevada State Library and Archives and the Carson City Library.

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For additional information on Henderson Libraries, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.