MORGANTOWN – Through ongoing projects with internet service providers Comcast and Frontier, the Monongalia County Commission has invested approximately $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to bring county residents online.
On Wednesday, the commission approved a pilot project with the Morgantown Public Library System to help individuals utilize and navigate online services.
As part of its 2027 fiscal year budget, which begins July 1, the commission will provide up to $50,000 for the creation of a digital navigator position to be housed within the library system.
“So this is one of the things, digital literacy, that we’ve talked a lot about over the past four or five years as we were developing our comprehensive strategic broadband plan. We’ve been going back and forth on how we could increase digital literacy in the county,” Commissioner Sean Sikora said, later adding, “We kind of zeroed in on the library would be the perfect home for this position.”
It’s also something that’s been on the library system’s wishlist for a number of years, according to MPLS Director Sarah Cranstoun.
“This is something we have been seeking funding for. We’ve applied for grants on the state level, and have been talking to the county about funding this project for a number of years,” she said. “Our hope for this position, our goal, is to fill the gaps that people have when it comes to using a computer or another digital device to sort of manage their administrative life – forms you have to fill out, programs you have to register for. There’s a large assumption that people know how to do this, but it can be really overwhelming.”
The commission is initially funding the one-year pilot project utilizing interest earned on its ARPA allocation. Sikora said the benefits-eligible position will be financed by the county, but will not be a county or library employee. The Morgantown Area Partnership will work with the library leadership to post the opening and hire the navigator.
Cranstoun said she’s excited to take on the pilot project and interested to see how the position evolves to meet the need.
“There’s a lot of room to help support the citizens of Monongalia County. And while we will be focusing on reaching out, particularly to the senior population, it’s widespread. It’s every age group that needs added help,” she said, explaining the navigator will be based out of the main Morgantown branch, but will not be tied to that location.
“Most of their hours will be spent outside of the building. After an initial period of project planning and setting things up, we see them attending community events, reaching out to senior centers and other community associations, and then also spending time in the branches with some dedicated hours there to be available.”
Along with the main Morgantown branch, the library system includes the Arnettsville, Cheat Area, Clay-Battelle and Clinton District branches.
