Heartland Library Cooperative

Heartland Library Cooperative’s “Outstretching Hands” project in Sebring, FL, is to bridge the digital divide, address issues of accessibility, and provide services to the patrons residing in the five under-served surrounding counties. Heartland will purchase equipment needed to create a mobile library, which will overcome a range of barriers its patrons face when trying to access library services, such as distance and fuel costs. The bookmobile will be outfitted with iPads, notebook computers, internet access, and printing capabilities, and will give patrons the ability to borrow library materials, apply for jobs and assistance, update résumés, and catch up on the loss of learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.