Endowment will allow technology access for all

McCOOK, Neb. — Libraries are not just for books anymore but a place for people young and old to access technology.

And a $500,000 endowment will fund a new technology center at the McCook Public Library to help with that. On Monday night, The McCook City Council formally approved the Birdella Nelson Technology Center that will be located at the McCook Public Library. The endowment comes from McCook native and former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator, Ben Nelson.

The funds will be administered by the Nebraska Community Foundation.

City councilman Jerry Calvin asked where the technology center would be located in the library and Jodi Crocker, library director, said no specific location has been chosen yet and would depend on the kind of equipment and the number of items purchased.

According to a purpose statement presented Monday night by Andy Long, McCook Economic Development Corp., libraries are becoming community hubs where adults and youth can access the latest technology essential in today’s economy. For smaller communities, funding that can be a challenge.

“The endowment payout includes, but not limited to, programs, activities and technology that will enhance the knowledge, skills and quality of life for residents in McCook,” according to the purpose statement. “Funds from the account cannot be used for ongoing operational expenses that are typically supported by the city, but intended to finance projects and programs that will help the library achieve a margin of excellence.”

The statement continues that the library director, along with the Library Foundation Board, will present their wishes to a committee convened by the McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF) that includes McCook Community Foundation Fund advisory Committee members and Library Foundation board members. This committee could also include partners from youth, public schools and the college.

The initial makeup of the committee would include: Andy Long, MCFF; Mary Dueland, Library Board and Library Foundation Board; Kevin Cochran, Library Board; Sean Wolfe, Library Foundation Board; Joel Bednar, Technology and Central Elementary principal; Dennis Berry, MCFF; and two students with the Youth Chain Reaction, a group affiliated with the McCook Rotary.

Via a teleconference call, Nelson said he was very happy to be able to this for his hometown. Mayor Mike Gonzales thanked him for his continued support of McCook.