Charlotte, NC – October 28, 2020 – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library announced it is the recipient of a $492,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) CARES Act Grants to support a tangible solution for the nearly 10 percent of households in Charlotte-Mecklenburg who lack dedicated broadband internet access for telehealth, online schooling, job searching and more. In partnership with the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance and inspired by the BKYLNConnect Playbook, the Library will pilot its neighborhood WISP (wireless internet service provider) network to increase internet access in the county’s West Boulevard corridor. In addition to receiving free internet with a Library card, individuals will receive digital literacy training, and some may train as support technicians for the project.
To read the full press release, please visit: https://www.cmlibrary.org/sites/default/files/NR%20CML%20Receives%20IMLS%20Grant%20for%20WISP%20network%202020.10.28.pdf