SUN CATCHERS

SUN CATCHERS — Champ Gray of Union City recently took a break to read a book and recharge his phone at the Obion County Public Library. Library visitors can now charge their phones using the rays of the sun as power when they utilize one of five solar-powered umbrellas purchased using a $14,505 Training Opportunity for the Public Grant. Library director Carolina Conner said patrons will know there is enough power in the unit on the umbrella by looking for the green lights. One unit is located at the front of the library, while the other four will be placed on the back yard patio. The TOP Grant is administered by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State, and supported by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. TOP Grants are available for public libraries to provide digital literacy training to the public, hotspots and solar charging stations; increase Internet access at the library; and for the Digital Navigators pilot project.