HARTFORD, Mich. – The Hartford Public Library has been serving thousands of families in the greater community for 65 years, providing them with growth and learning opportunities. But, the library’s technology was outdated and needed to be upgraded. The American Electric Power Foundation (AEP Foundation), on behalf of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), recently donated $80,000 to bring state-of-the-art technology to the community.
Stephanie Daniels, Hartford Public Library director and Lesley Odom, I&M community affairs manager safely pose for check presentation.
The donation was used to create a 20 station computer lab for children and adults inside the Art and Bonna Vanderlyn Community Center, which is now home to The Hartford Public Library. The new computer lab contains smart boards, computers, tablets and a 3D printer for patrons to take online classes, build resumes, apply for jobs, homework and other research endeavors.
The Hartford Library is more than just books and this generous donation from the AEP Foundation will help cultivate more opportunities for our patrons and community,” said Stephanie Daniels, Hartford Public Library director. “We want to empower individuals and families with free access to a number of services and resources in a safe environment and the addition of computers, tablets and even a 3-D printer will help us achieve that mission.”
The computer lab provides educational resources to more than 10,000 people who live within 5-miles of the new community center. On average, The Hartford Public Library records 50,000 visitors per year.
“This new technology encourages innovation and creativity among children and adults,” said Lesley Odom, I&M community affairs manager. “The AEP Foundation and I&M believe education is the foundation for brighter futures for our communities where our employees and their families live, work, shop, and go to school. Tomorrow’s visionaries rely on us and this new technology makes education accessible to the greater Hartford community.”
Additionally, the new technology is being used to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) courses. The new computers are also helping the Children’s Literacy program to help at-risk children learn critical basic skills before starting pre-school or kindergarten.
I&M encourages local businesses, non-profits and Hartford residents to support the Hartford Public Library. For more information please visit www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY: Hartford Public Library provides free resources that inspire reading, guide learning, and encourage individual exploration. We serve the people of City of Hartford, all of Hartford Township and Hartford School District, our principal funders and customers. We are in and of the community, a place like no other. We are a gateway for immigrants and refugees, an early literacy center for preschoolers, a wifi hot spot and business office for area workers, an exhibit space for artists, a technology resource for residents and visitors, a lender of books and other educational and entertaining materials, a training center for the development of new skills, the repository of Hartford’s history and a gathering place for people to relax, explore, learn, and grow.
ABOUT THE AEP FOUNDATION: The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its utility operating units, including Indiana Michigan Power. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation’s areas of focus include special emphasis on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, protecting the environment, providing basic human services in the areas of hunger, housing, health and safety, and enriching life through art, music and cultural heritage. The Foundation is based in Columbus, Ohio.
ABOUT INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER: Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 599,000 customers. More than two-thirds of its energy delivered in 2019 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 15 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.