PERRYSBURG — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) has announced the award of a $10,285 Guiding Ohio Online award to Way Public Library. The funding is made possible through the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the State Library of Ohio with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

This award will allow Way Public Library — Wood County’s first library and a pillar of learning since 1881 — to provide a dedicated technology trainer to serve the digital needs of the community. The trainer will assist with one-on-one tech tutoring, computer classes, and community outreach, helping ensure interested residents, regardless of age or background, can confidently navigate today’s digital world.

“Way Public Library has stood as a beacon of knowledge and service for nearly a century and a half,” Kaptur said “With this federal support, the library will continue to adapt and lead — ensuring that every citizen, young or old, rural or urban, has access to the digital tools and skills needed to succeed. In a time when digital literacy is essential to economic opportunity, civic engagement, and lifelong learning, this investment is truly an investment in people.”

“We hired a technology trainer who takes technology training outside our walls. She does some in-house training, but she also goes outside our walls and takes digital literacy to some people that can’t get here,” said Janel Haas, director of the Way Public Library. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful grant for us to offer that, and we’re super appreciative of it.”

The Guiding Ohio Online initiative supports libraries serving rural and underserved populations, providing critical resources to bridge the digital divide. The program empowers local libraries to offer accessible, hands-on digital education, especially for communities with limited broadband or digital resources.

For more information on the Guiding Ohio Online program, visit: library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants.



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