Josephine County residents visiting their local library will now find faster, more modern public computers and expanded technology resources following a nearly $75,000 state grant designed to strengthen digital access throughout the community.
The Josephine Community Library District has completed a significant technology upgrade after receiving a $74,796 Digital Connectivity Technology Program grant from the Oregon Broadband Office in May. The funding has allowed the library district to replace aging public computers, add new laptop computers for checkout, and continue expanding access to technology services that support education, employment, healthcare, and everyday communication.
The project includes the replacement of 29 public-use desktop computers across the library district’s four branches. Fifteen new computers have been installed at the Grants Pass branch, while six new computers each have been placed at the Illinois Valley and Wolf Creek branches. The Williams branch has received two replacement computers. Library officials expect the Wolf Creek and Williams installations to be completed and available for public use by the end of July, reaching full implementation approximately two months ahead of the timeline established by the grant.
The upgraded systems replace computers that had been in service since 2018. During that time, the machines handled thousands of hours of public use while supporting a growing reliance on online services throughout the county.
“These 29 new computers, along with new keyboard and mice, replace ones that were originally installed in 2018,” said Library Director Kate Lasky. “Our new computers are faster, are installed with the latest Windows 11 operating system, and include AI-enabled features that help our community keep up with rapidly changing technology needs.”
Library records illustrate the continuing demand for public computer access. Over the past 12 months, 9,849 individuals used library desktop computers across the district’s four branches, averaging approximately 820 users each month. Those figures represent only computer workstation use and do not include the many visitors who bring their own laptops, tablets, or smartphones and connect through the library’s free wireless internet service.
Beyond desktop upgrades, the state grant also funded the purchase of eight laptop computers that are now available for checkout through the library’s Library of Things collection. Patrons may borrow a laptop for up to 10 days, providing flexibility for individuals who need computer access outside library hours or at home.
The laptop lending program complements another increasingly popular resource offered by the library system: portable Wi-Fi hotspots. Patrons without reliable home internet service can check out hotspots to establish temporary internet access, helping bridge connectivity gaps for work, school, healthcare, and personal needs. Spanish-language keyboards are also available for checkout, expanding accessibility for more members of the community.
“The library’s public access computers, the wi-fi, and the loanable laptops and hotspots are all examples of the way libraries help keep Josephine County residents connected to the information they need, free of charge,” Lasky said. “They do not need to be part of a program or buy anything to use these vital technology resources.”
The investment extends beyond equipment. Josephine Community Library also provides ongoing technology education designed to help residents build digital skills and confidence.
Monthly computer lab workshops introduce participants to topics ranging from basic computer operation and Windows navigation to file management, email setup, online privacy, cybersecurity, word processing, spreadsheets, and digital tools commonly used in today’s workforce. In addition, library computers provide access to online training programs covering a variety of technical subjects, while trained staff members and volunteers offer one-on-one assistance for visitors seeking personalized support.
Library officials note that maintaining current computer technology has become increasingly important as more essential services transition online. Residents routinely depend on public computers to complete school assignments, participate in college coursework, submit employment applications, prepare résumés, manage finances, communicate with government agencies, and attend virtual medical appointments through telehealth services.
“Everyone needs access to computers and the internet to manage their daily lives and to thrive,” Lasky said. “This includes working on schoolwork and college coursework, applying for jobs, developing career skills, having telehealth appointments with health care providers, and much more.”
The newest technology represents the latest chapter in the library district’s continuing investment in public computer access. The previous generation of computers was installed in 2018 through funding provided by the Oregon Community Foundation, Four Way Community Foundation, and the Josephine Community Library Foundation. Library officials note that heavily used public-access computers typically require replacement every three to five years to maintain security, reliability, and compatibility with modern software.
The latest state-funded technology upgrades reflect the growing role public libraries play as community technology centers, ensuring residents have access to modern computing resources and internet connectivity regardless of their personal circumstances.