The Whitewright Public Library has received a grant for a new computer and a copy/fax machine from The Tocker Foundation.

The Tocker Foundation was established in 1964 by Phillip and Olive Tocker as a general philanthropic foundation and to help disadvantaged high school graduates obtain a college education. In 1992, the foundation board decided to focus grant distribution to small rural libraries in Texas, serving populations of 12,000 or less.

Grants have been extended for outreach and "shut-in" programs, library automation, enhancement of services, adult reading classes, after school projects, bilingual material and many other projects initiated by community public libraries.

The goal of the Whitewright Public Library is to purchase equipment to replace aging equipment needed to operate library services. The library's computer, which houses the circulation system, suffered a crash in between submission and receipt of the grant, and will be replaced.

Our copier, which is used for both library purposes and to make copies for the public, is over five years old. It has already had the drum replaced twice and is becoming more difficult to maintain. A new copier, with a fax machine built in, will be purchased to streamline our services to patrons.

For more information, contact the library at 903-364-2955.