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Libraries and new digital‑equity grants: how Virginia plans to boost adoption, training and device access
Summary
Library leaders and Office of Broadband staff described hotspot lending, mobile ‘tech bus’ pilots, $25,000 planning grants for localities, an $18.3M state capacity allocation and a $14.5M subgrant program for skills, navigation and device refurbishment to support adoption and low‑cost service.
Speakers at the Broadband Advisory Council highlighted libraries’ central role in digital inclusion and outlined a suite of new and existing programs to support adoption, training and device access.
Dennis Clark of the Library of Virginia told the council that libraries have been ‘‘on the front lines of digital equity and access for nearly 25 years,’’ pointing to early Gates Foundation funding, hotspot lending, and mobile library technology buses that bring Wi‑Fi and training to underserved areas. Libraries also circulate laptops and privacy booths used for telehealth appointments, and face high demand for loaned hotspots, Clark…
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