MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System has been awarded a $78,135 grant from the Sabal Trail Community Outreach Investment program. The funds will be used to purchase technology items that will allow the library to continue to move forward in the digital age.

“The equipment will allow the library to support students of all ages living along the pipeline route and will provide for the expanded technology needs of the renovated library,” said a press release from the library.

The items to be purchased will include laptops for use in training programs and workshops, as well as a storage and charging station. New computers will be placed in the computer lab and group study rooms.

Students and patrons with a hearing loss requiring the use of hearing aids will appreciate the inclusion of a hearing loop, also called an induction loop, in the library’s plans. The system, which is a copper wire encircling the room and connected to the room’s sound system, allows for the transmitting of sound electromagnetically. This technology greatly increases a person’s ability to clearly hear speeches in large rooms, with minimal background noise, the library said.

Digital display panels will supply information throughout the library increasing patrons’ awareness of upcoming events and programs. Multimedia projectors, dropdown screens, and interactive white boards in the meeting rooms and the auditorium will offer avenues for presenting materials not previously available.

“Patrons who use the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library will appreciate the inclusion of a new microfilm scanner which will produce high resolution, archival quality images,” the library press release said. “An overhead book scanner will allow for the creation of digital images while helping to protect fragile, older texts. Both items will make a positive impact on the work of history and genealogy researchers.”

The library currently occupies a building at 225 S. Main St., loaned to it by Ameris Bank, while the library’s longtime home is under renovation. Library officials expect to return to the 204 Fifth St. S.E. location when renovations are complete late this year.