Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove has been awarded a $30,050 grant from the Minnesota Department of Education to advance digital literacy and education.

Grant funding is available through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. IMLS, which advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development, provides Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds to Minnesota through its Grants to States program.

The grant awarded to Park Grove Library recognizes that digital literacy is a key to academic and workforce success and helps local libraries identify and address needs in their local communities. It will allow the library to purchase new pieces of emerging technology, including 3D printers, a laser cutter, a Cricut cutting machine, and a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Mill. The equipment will initially be used to expand the library’s Contraption Club, a local program geared towards 9-12 yearolds with the intention of helping young library users gain fluency in new areas of technology.

“As new technologies become commonplace, learning these advanced skills is more important than ever,” said Amy Stenftenagel, Washington County Library Director. “This grant will open up new career paths for young people who may not have otherwise had access to digital learning.”

Library staff are currently in the process of purchasing equipment and plan to begin organized programming in early 2022.

Park Grove Library is located at 7900 Hemingway Ave S in Cottage Grove and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Visitors can browse and check out materials, use computers and free public Wi-Fi, reserve a meeting room, and attend programs.

Learn more about library services and upcoming events at WashCoLib.org.