On Friday, Nov. 4, Stettler Public Library received a cheque of $10,000 from the Rotary Club of Stettler at the club's annual Friendship Dinner.
The cheque was presented by Vicki Leuck, a Rotarian to Matt Barabash, library manager.
"The Rotary Club of Stettler has been very generous to Stettler Public Library over the years, including the installation of a heavily used fireplace lobby," Barabash said. Speaking of how he wishes to use the funds, Barabash said he hoped to invest in technology so that the library is able to provide quality on-going programs that will no longer be limited because of the lack of resources.
"We've recently introduced coding programs at the library, and have three people on staff and one volunteer with coding and science backgrounds," Barabash explained. "But we've had to borrow laptops, which can take several weeks to arrive, and often puts us on a waiting list. With Rotary funding, our ability to provide quality on-going programs will no longer be limited."
Barabash added that the library would soon have the computers they need all the time, and can run more programs designed to teach the skills that many future employers are looking for such as digital literacy and the ability to create digital content.
"Stettler has a very healthy sports scene, but we also want to cater to people who take an interest in technology and digital creation," said Barabash. "Not only will the computers be used for educational programs, but they will also foster a sense of community, friendship, and collaboration in our increasingly technical world."
Each laptop will have the Rotary logo embedded on them, to foster awareness of what the Rotary Club does, especially among younger generations.
"We're looking forward to providing much more technology programs, and look forward to sharing future success stories with the Rotary Club of Stettler, and the community of Stettler and surrounding area," Barabash added.