Ten area libraries have received a $141,532 provincial grant to hire an information technology technician.

“It’s very exciting for us,” Clearview Public Library CEO Jennifer LaChapelle said. “We worked very hard as a group to put in a good grant application.”

The Southern Ontario Library Service, established by the province to delivery programs and services on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Culture, announced the funding on Jan. 13.

LaChapelle said the libraries, which applied for the money in late November, want to have the technician hired and on the job by March.

The libraries will share the person’s services, with the County of Simcoe’s Library Cooperative acting as the coordinating body.

LaChapelle said the technician will visit the libraries on a regular basis, servicing computer equipment.

The person will also assess the libraries’ future technological needs, she said.

“They’ll also provide technical training to staff so they can deal with basic problems as they arise,” LaChapelle said.

Having such a person available is a big deal, she added.

LaChapelle explained that in the past staff had to muddle through computer-related problems as best they could or hire a contractor to come in, which could prove to be costly.

The other libraries that will make use of the new technician are based in Collingwood, Essa, Georgian Bay Township, Penetanguishene, Ramara Township, Severn Township, Springwater Township and Wasaga Beach.

The funding will allow the libraries to employ the IT staffer for two years.

LaChapelle said after that point the libraries hope to find a way to extend the employment contract.