County library seeks LSTA funds for mobile 'memory lab'; commissioners ask about costs and equity requirements

Library staff told the board they intend to apply for a State Library LSTA grant of up to $12,000 to create a mobile 'memory lab' to preserve community photos and home media. The project would buy archival-quality scanning equipment that staff would use in community centers and library sites so residents could digitize and preserve family materials.

The grant application would be matched with funds from the library’s Gardner Trust payout, staff said. Commissioners asked about the program’s ongoing management needs and possible 'strings' attached to the grant; one commissioner specifically requested the completed application and the state RFP so the board could review grant requirements and any equity-related expectations in the state plan.

Library staff said most of the work would be folded into existing programming responsibilities rather than creating new full-time positions and that equipment purchases would be the primary cost. The program could include voluntary submission to the NC Digital Archive but staff said that would be optional for residents.

Next steps: staff said they expected to complete the application by the March 5 deadline and will provide the board with the application materials and an estimate of staff time and ancillary costs before the next meeting.