Callaway library to benefit from state grant

The Callaway County Public Library soon will be able to replace its microfilm machine thanks to a Technology Mini Grant from The Secretary of State's Office.

Secretary of State Jason Kander has announced the Daniel Boone Regional Library will receive a $14,467 Technology Mini Grant and a $4,184 eReader Exploration Grant, both of which are funded by the Library Services and Technology Act through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Part of that grant will be used to replace the microfilm machine at the Callaway branch in Fulton, a move which Mitzi St. John, DBRL's director of public relations, said has been put off by budget constraints.

"We would not have been able to replace it this year," St. John said. "It's been long overdue to be replaced. This enables us to get it done sooner."

Although various forms of digital media are becoming more and more popular and the Internet provides easy access to information of all kinds, St. John and Callaway County Public Library Manager Greg Reeves said microfilm still is a popular research tool.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.