TLN ARPA Grant Project - MI-83 TLC Kits

ARPA Grant Project - MI-83 TLC Kits

The Library Network is excited to be recipient of a federal ARPA grant for our MI-83 Technology, Libraries, and Communities (MI-83 TLC Kits) project. The MI-83 TLC Kits project will connect the public in Michigan’s 83 counties to resources that reduce the digital divide in Michigan and will increase the capacity of Michigan public libraries to safely deliver services inside libraries, outdoors, and online. The project will provide tools for the community to access online services and resources and will provide libraries with tools to safely provide services and programming.

Types of Kits

Computing Technology Kits will be equitably distributed to libraries for public use. Additionally, libraries will be offered Online Programming Kits and Outdoor Programming Kits to create and offer library programs for their communities. Libraries may also use the project kits to provide access to online job interviews and materials as well as to access virtual telehealth services.

Project Purpose

The purpose of this project is to enhance safe library services and programs available to the public of Michigan in order to further pandemic recovery efforts in our communities. The goals of this project are two-fold: to foster digital inclusion by connecting communities to online resources through provision of personal computing devices for public use; and to provide resources to libraries to safely deliver services in their communities.

Funding for the Project

Funding for this project is provided part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan, an agency of the Michigan Department of Education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Who should I contact with program questions?

For general questions about the program please use the Contact Us feature on this page.

My library is receiving/received materials. What does my library have to do for the grant?

First, please use the materials as much as you can before the program ends on September 30, 2022. Second, gather usage information, check out and program counts, and some user testimonials if you can. Usage will be defined by each library as they decide how to employ the Kits for their individual communities. At the end of this summer all participating libraries will be required to provide this information via an online survey. A draft of the anticipated survey questions is available for libraries to preview, to get an idea of what will be expected. Basically we will want to know how stuff was used and how many people benefited from the project. The final survey will be sent out to participants via email in September.

Where's my stuff? When will my Kit/s arrive?

Please see the Project Overview and Timeline linked on this page. Contact Us feature on this page.

Can I get specs on the laptops/Chromebooks?

You can download basic info here for the Chromebooks and Laptops.

What should I do if I receive a damaged item?

For assistance with items other than Chromebooks and Laptops that arrive damaged please use the Contact Us feature on this page.

What if I received a damaged Dell Laptop?

For help with a Dell Laptop from your Programming Kit order that arrives damaged contact: Dell Pro support at 866-624-8067. You will need to provide the service tag# from your packaging. You may wish to Contact Us for an order receipt.

What if I received a damaged Chromebook?

For help with a Chromebook order that arrives damaged, contact Samsung Support at 1-888-986-3949 or Samsung Product Support at 1-866-SAM-4BIZ. You may wish to Contact Us for an order receipt.

What if I received a damaged Microsoft Surface tablet laptop?

For help with a Microsoft Surface order that arrives damaged, you must first Contact Us for an order receipt. Then you should contact Microsoft Surface support at 1-800-642-7676 (1-800 Microsoft), and choose the following selections when prompted: