Innovia Foundation grants $15,000 to library technology program

Technology learning is expanding across Whitman County thanks to a recent grant award of $15,000 from Innovia Foundation, formerly known as Inland Northwest Community Foundation. Innovia has granted $15,000 to Whitman County Library for the purchase of technology equipment and the expansion of programs for all ages in branch libraries, schools and various locations served by the library district.

Last year, WCL averaged 50 STEM-related programs every week, serving thousands of participants. These ranged from assisting people with downloading free E-books to teaching software coding classes in school classrooms. The library did not have enough equipment or staffing to meet the demands and the Innovia grant will plug the funding gap and allow for increased programming in the coming year.

Grant funds are being used to purchase a variety of equipment including a 3D printer, Makey Makey kits, K’NEX Engineering kits, and Little Bits circuit sets.

Staffing will be increased for the coming year to allow for more classes.